A growing wave of outrage has swept across Angola and its diaspora communities following controversial remarks made by two senior government officials, prompting a broad coalition of civil society actors to call for their immediate dismissal.
An open letter addressed to President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço has been signed by hundreds of Angolan citizens, including youth and cultural movements, human rights organisations, education and health professionals, students, academics, and religious leaders.
The letter demands the removal of Minister of Education Luísa Grilo and Minister of Youth and Sports Rui Falcão for comments described as discriminatory and damaging to the dignity of Angolans living abroad.
The controversy erupted after Luísa Grilo allegedly remarked, “The talented youth stay here. Those who leave are not missed,” while Rui Falcão stated, “Having a degree does not mean being a manager.”
These statements, the letter argues, undermine the value and contributions of Angolan professionals in the diaspora, many of whom are highly educated and actively contribute to the nation’s development from abroad.
“These words sound like exclusion, contempt, and a denial of the value of citizens who continue to love Angola, contribute to its development, and dream of an inclusive, just, and truly democratic homeland,” the letter reads.
The letter further outlines that the statements violate several key articles of the Angolan Constitution, including the rights to equality, non-discrimination, free movement, and the recognition of nationality regardless of residence abroad.
It also references Angola’s commitments to international human rights norms and public integrity.
President Lourenço, known for his efforts to integrate the diaspora into national development, has previously stated, “Angolans in the diaspora, who for various reasons have freely chosen to live, work, and pursue their dreams in another country, are as Angolan as anyone else and therefore deserve our full attention.”
Signatories argue that the ministers’ comments contradict this vision and constitute a direct undermining of the government’s goals, fueling division and eroding trust among the global Angolan community.
The letter concludes with three specific demands: the dismissal of both ministers, a formal investigation into their conduct, and active oversight by national and international bodies.
“In this crucial moment, we trust that Your Excellency will act with firmness and patriotic responsibility,” the letter states, appealing to the President’s authority to uphold constitutional values and protect the unity of the Angolan nation.
Source: jornalf8
