Washington, United States | AFP | US President Donald Trump has announced a series of ambassador nominations to key capitals, including Berlin and New Delhi, more than seven months after taking office. In a statement released late Friday, the White House announced Trump intends to nominate Richard Grenell to be ambassador …
Read More »Angola opposition to contest election loss in court
Luanda, Angola | AFP | One of Angola’s main opposition parties plans to contest the results of last week’s general election, alleging unfair conduct during the vote that kept the ruling party of former president Jose Eduardo Dos Santos in power. The ruling MPLA party won just over 61 percent …
Read More »Here are Africa’s longest-serving leaders
Luanda, Angola | AFP | Angolan President Jose Eduardo Dos Santos, in power since 1979, will not contest Wednesday’s general election, meaning he will soon lose his place as Africa’s second longest-serving leader. The continent is home to many men who have held office for two decades or more, and …
Read More »DOS SANTOS: Angola’s secretive leader heads towards exit
Luanda, Angola | AFP | When Angolan President Jose Eduardo dos Santos steps down and his successor is chosen in Wednesday’s elections, it will bring to an end a 38-year reign dominated by his unrelenting authoritarian style. Though seldom seen in public, he has been a looming presence in daily …
Read More »Angola vote marks new era as Dos Santos ends 38-year reign
Luanda, Angola | AFP | Angola goes to the polls Wednesday in a historic election marking the end of President Jose Eduardo Dos Santos’s 38-year reign, with his party set to retain power despite the country’s economic crisis. The MPLA (People’s Movement for the Liberation of Angola), which has …
Read More »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. …
Read More »Angola’s likely next president Lourenco hits the campaign trail
Luanda, Angola | AFP | Angolan presidential candidate Joao Lourenco, who appears set to win next month’s election, launched his campaign on Tuesday with a speech vowing to tackle corruption and spread wealth. Defence minister Lourenco, 63, is the chosen successor of President Jose Eduardo dos Santos, whose decision to …
Read More »Angola adopts law limiting power of future presidents
Luanda, Angola | AFP | Angola’s parliament passed a law on Friday that will drastically limit the powers of the country’s future presidents in matters of security and defence. The law will only apply to successors of the current head of state, President Jose Eduardo dos Santos, who has enjoyed …
Read More »Angola rejects EU poll observers’ demands
Luanda, Angola | AFP | Angola has rejected conditions demanded by an EU election observer mission that had been preparing to witness next month’s polls in the country, state media reported Monday. The European team had called for unfettered access to polling stations across the vast southern African nation during the …
Read More »Angola leader back in Spain for ‘visit’ as health rumours swirl
Luanda, Angola | AFP | Angolan President Jose Eduardo dos Santos returned to Spain on Monday for a “private visit”, officials said, five weeks after a monthlong trip to the country when he underwent medical tests. Dos Santos, 74, has been dogged by reports of poor health, with his daughter Isabel …
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