Luanda: The Speaker of the National Assembly (AN), Ado de Almeida, swore in the new Ombudsman, Joo Manuel Francisco, on Wednesday for a five-year term. Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony, the Speaker praised the work carried out by the outgoing Ombudsman, Florbela Rocha Araujo, over the last five years of her term.

According to Angola Press News Agency, the parliamentarian acknowledged the magistrate's contribution in consolidating and strengthening the Ombudsman's Office, emphasizing its role in fulfilling its constitutional mission. "She left a legacy that helped and will continue to help build the Ombudsman's Office," he said.

Ado de Almeida highlighted the importance of the Ombudsman's Office in realizing citizens' fundamental rights, freedoms, and guarantees, serving as a crucial mechanism for bridging the gap with the Public Administration. The Speaker congratulated Joo Manuel Francisco on his election, wishing him success in his new responsibilities. He underscored the Ombudsman's pivotal role in the constitutional system, linking citizens to the Public Administration.

Speaking to the press, Joo Manuel Francisco explained that the Ombudsman's responsibilities include issuing recommendations and collaborating with public institutions to ensure that citizen rights are maintained. He clarified that the institution does not replace state bodies or assume decision-making functions but works alongside competent entities to resolve citizens' issues. "The Ombudsman collaborates with institutions, helps citizens solve problems and not create problems," he stated.

Joo Manuel Francisco emphasized the Ombudsman's moral and intellectual authority, aiming to facilitate dialogue between citizens and the Public Administration in cases of illegality or abuse of power. "The Ombudsman's role is to go where the citizens are," he highlighted.

Joo Manuel Francisco hails from the province of Malanje and is a lawyer, academic, and university professor. He holds a law degree from the Independent University of Lisbon, a master's degree in Legal and Political Sciences from the Autonomous University of Lisbon, and advanced training in Law and Political Science from universities in Portugal and Spain. He has served as Dean of the Faculty of Law and Vice-Rector of the Independent University of Angola and is a professor at Agostinho Neto University. He was also the National Director of Copyright and Related Rights at the Ministry of Culture. An author of books and articles on Law, Human Rights, and the Angolan Political System, he participates in both national and international academic conferences and debates.