Angolans reject government restrictions on information, say media should report freely

On World Press Freedom Day (3 May), Angolan President João Lourenço shared a congratulatory message to professionals in the media, applauding them “for the commitment and dedication they have shown in carrying out the mission of informing with truth, impartiality, and responsibility” (Ver Angola, 2023a). The president’s message came amid widespread perceptions of government restrictions on the flow of information and censorship of journalists. Although freedom of the press is enshrined in Angola’s Constitution, those who dare to shine a light on government abuse of power and mismanagement are often prosecuted and handed heavy sentences (Reporters Without Borders, 2023). Last year, the Freedom House (2022) Freedom in the World report listed Angola as one of the countries in the Southern Africa region exhibiting hostility toward the media (Mavhunga, 2022) and rated Angola only “partly free” in terms of Internet freedom. In 2023, Angola dropped 26 places on the World Press Freedom Index, placing it 125th out of 180 countries (Reporters Without Borders, 2023; Ver Angola, 2023b). According to the most recent Afrobarometer survey, Angolans broadly agree that the media should act as a watchdog over the government, constantly investigating and reporting on government mistakes and corruption. Citizens value media freedom and reject the notion that public information should be the exclusive preserve of government officials. However, views are mixed on whether media freedom exists in practice. Television and radio still outpace social media and the Internet as popular news sources in Angola, but not by much – especially among young and educated citizens.