On Thursday, World Fight Against Corruption Day, the US State Department imposed sanctions and an account freeze on various figures involved in corruption, including three angolans close to former president José Eduardo dos Santos who headed the destinations in Angola for 38 years: businesswoman Isabel dos Santos, her daughter, and generals Leopoldino Fragoso do Nascimento "Dino" and Hélder Vieira Dias "Kopelipa".
For General Bento Kangamba, member of the MPLA's Central Committee, the fact that these militants are involved in justice cases does not compromise the party because "each one has its own problems" and individual problems do not affect the MPLA.
"People are called to court, but they have not yet been tried, there are some who will be acquitted, the court is like that," he said, on the sidelines of the VIII Congress of the party that re-elected João Lourenço on Friday with 98 percent of the vote, alluding to their own court cases.
"How many times have I, in Europe, been seen as a criminal and now I'm clean, I've been acquitted in all matters, those who shouldn't, don't fear", said the official, guaranteeing that he also does not have processes in Angola and that he is a "clean businessman".
"The MPLA is the MPLA and I am Bento Kangamba, I must assume my responsibilities as Bento Kangamba", underlined the politician, stressing that "the problems are from outside", and not from the MPLA.
"Here within the MPLA, we are doing well, the MPLA continues to be a great party", highlighted the politician and businessman, also pointing out that the congress showed unity and dispelled doubts about internal divisions.
"The cornerstones are still here and will continue," Kangamba continued, assuring that the party is committed to improving people's living conditions, to win the elections in 2022 and remain in power.
The businessman also declared that the reelection of João Lourenço with 98 percent of the vote expresses the will of the majority of the party's militants, proving that this was "the right candidacy".
"The MPLA is doing well and I ask the population in general to calm down because João Lourenço is a great comrade and knows how to listen, knows how to speak".
Julião "Dino Matross", former secretary general of the party, who left the central committee at this congress, says that the MPLA is well delivered and that it was important to leave the place to the younger members so that the party could be renewed.
As for João Lourenço's re-election, he said that 98 percent gives the party president, who is also President of the Republic of Angola, more strength to lead not only the party, but the country, underlining that the MPLA has always been united.
Regarding the possible damages of corruption cases for the MPLA, he understands that they have nothing to do with the party, as they are "individual faults", although he admits that they tarnish the image of the party and the nation.
