Angola’s ruling family is worth billions. What happens when dad steps down?

Luanda, Angola | AFRICAN ARGUMENTS |  After 38 years in power, Angola’s José Eduardo dos Santos finally looks set to step down from office. The president has stated his intention to relinquish power before, but as the 23 August elections approach, everything is pointing in the direction of his imminent departure following the polls.

Many expected that when the time came, dos Santos would elevate one of his children to replace him. But instead, he handpicked Defence Minister João Lourenço to be his successor.

Lourenço has the backing of the ruling People’s Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA) and is certain to win. The pressing question therefore is of what will happen to dos Santos and his powerful family once he is no longer president.

Over the past four decades, dos Santos has not only consolidated an impressive amount of political power in his hands, but also seen close family members become the leading players in Angola’s economy.

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Angola’s ruling family is worth billions. What happens when dad steps down? #DosSantoshttps://t.co/3w9Tk6bQro pic.twitter.com/n6hA4B4VoA

— African Arguments (@africaarguments) August 14, 2017