In an interview with Lusa, a few days before leaving Angola, James Story stated that local authorities represent “a good step” towards bringing citizens closer to their representatives, highlighting the importance of local representation for all parties.
“Everyone knows that this is important,” he stressed, considering that the local authorities will “strengthen Angolan democracy.”
Ambassador Story, who, as chargé d'affaires, has temporarily assumed leadership of the US embassy in Luanda since October 2024, recalled that former US President Joe Biden addressed the issue with Head of State João Lourenço, during his visit to Angola in December, highlighting the direct link between voters and elected officials as an added value.
The MPLA said in February that municipal elections are on its political agenda for 2025, and called on parliament to complete the legislative package to support the country's first municipal elections, which have yet to be scheduled.
At the beginning of March, the UNITA parliamentary group submitted an action to the Constitutional Court to monitor unconstitutional omission, due to a violation of the implementation of local authorities, initially promised for 2014, gradually and only in some municipalities, but without implementation to date.
The US diplomat also praised the government's work in the fight against corruption, a challenge he considered to be political, and stressed that both the US government and the US private sector "pay close attention" to this issue, as it influences the business environment and investor confidence.
James Story also addressed the context of political reconciliation in Angola and highlighted the role of João Lourenço in regional conflict mediation efforts.
“It is important to highlight the role of President Lourenço, who has made a point of leading peace processes inside and outside Angola,” he stressed.
When asked about the elections scheduled for 2027 and the risks of electoral tension and a possible repetition of the post-electoral conflicts recorded in Mozambique last year, he downplayed comparisons.
“I have lived in Mozambique and Angola. Both peoples speak Portuguese, but that does not mean they are the same,” he said, considering that any events will be different from what happened in Mozambique.
Regarding the role of civil society, he pointed out that it is a pillar of a strong democracy and it is important that its voice grows.
“As a government, we support civil society, political parties, participation rights,” stressed James Story.
