MPLA slams riots during demonstrations

MPLA has considered the protests a privilege that should be staged in a civic and orderly manner but condemned the acts causing any social chaos.

The ruling party’s stance was expressed Wednesday in Luanda by its Vice President, Luísa Damião, who said that the demonstration is a citizen’s right, enshrined in the country’s Constitution.

The politician said the freedom and responsibility should walk hand in hand, as the citizen has the right to demonstrate.

The leader warned the citizens of the way this right should be exercised, urging for civility, responsibility and order, without disrupting the peace and political stability of the country.

Addressing the press on the sidelines of the Conference on “Strategy of gender integration in the legislative, political and governance processes”, MPLA vice president discouraged the masterminds of these protests and condemned the hooligan committed by the demonstrators.

“I don’t think it is on the right track. We mean that they are political wolves in sheep’s clothing, who in fact are not contributing to the consolidation of peace and the stability of our country,” stressed Luísa Damião, who praised the event sponsored by Angola Women Network.

As example, the politician mentioned the case of the central Huambo province, where the protests escalated into unrests rather than real demonstrations. As result, there were reports of deaths due to incitement to violence.

“We are in a democratic and Rule of Law State. We must abide by the Constitution and the laws. And citizens should be the first to comply with their rights and duties, and use the rights that are embodied in the Constitution of Republic of Angola in a civic and orderly manner,” the vice president of the ruling MPLA party stressed.

“All of us must contribute to consolidate peace and stability. Therefore, each must be a promoter of peace and social stability in Angola”, MPLA leader said, alluding to demonstration staged on Saturday (June 17) in some provinces of the country, allegedly due to the rise in the prices of gasoline and Basic Basket products. ECC/MDS/AL/DAN/NIC

Source: Angola Press News Agency (APNA)