HRF condemns Angola’s imposition of new draconian controls on NGOs. These measures bring back the centralized control of the country’s one-party rule era, enabling the regime to dismantle at will independent groups advocating for human rights, transparency, and accountability ahead of the 2027 general elections.

On March 2, Angola’s authoritarian ruler João Lourenço signed into law the controversial Law on Non-Governmental Organizations, which sets up a a central body designated by the President to control NGO accreditation, closely monitor activities, and impose strict bureaucratic and financial compliance requirements under the banner of transparency and anti-money laundering. Under the law, authorities may suspend NGOs for up to four months or dissolve them under vague provisions, including “strong indications” of acts harmful to Angola’s sovereignty or security.

The parliamentary majority of the ruling People’s Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA) approved the controversial bill despite fierce opposition from civil society. Critics said the law is contrary to the spirit of Angola’s 2010 constitution and rejected the regime’s claim that it is meant to curb money laundering, pointing out that no Angolan NGO has been convicted of such crimes.

Civil society groups told HRF that the law places heavy administrative and financial burdens on organizations, threatening to suffocate Angola’s civic space, especially for grassroots organizations. They expressed concerns that the law could be used to target groups that monitor transparency and human rights abuses, in a context where unjustified delays for NGO registration are already common. The Angolan regime has given NGOs 180 days to meet the new requirements or face suspension of their activities.