/ / ANGOLA: QUASH COMMUNITY MEMBERS’ CONVICTIONS

ANGOLA: QUASH COMMUNITY MEMBERS’ CONVICTIONS

UA: Second 30.26

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On May 6, 2026, the Lubango Court in Huíla province, Angola, convicted five members of the Vikolôngwa Mbútwa community and sentenced them to over three-year prison terms, on charges stemming from a violent police intervention during a land dispute on November 23, 2024. The verdict was presented in the absence of the defendants and their lawyers, who had been notified only two days before the hearing, despite the law requiring 15 days’ notice. On May 26, 2026, the defense filed an appeal. The five remain free pending its outcome.

Call on the Angolan authorities to ensure that the convictions not supported by credible, lawfully obtained evidence are quashed on appeal, that all fair trial guarantees are fully respected throughout the appeal process, and that they promptly investigate the land dispute at the center of the whole incident.

PLEASE TAKE ACTION AS SOON AS POSSIBLE UNTIL: January 2, 2027

Here is how you can take action:

Send a letter to the Angolan authorities
Send an email to Angolan authorities
Post on social media

Scroll down to Step 1 and Step 2 to access the full Urgent Action appeal and sample letter, and U.S.P.S. mailing address (if available).

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Step 1

READ THE FULL URGENT ACTION

Enter your email address and zip code to get the sample letter to send to government officials.

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You can now write a letter in your own words or download the sample below as a guide.

Remember to send your letter by January 2, 2027.

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Sample Letter

Dear Prosecutor General,

I am concerned about seven members of the Vikolôngwa Mbútwa community in Huíla Province, Angola: Eduardo Bambi Lissimo Quessongo, Kapamba Tchahima Kapamba, Sapalo António Randy, Paulo Mbuta Capaia, Muetuiapula Francisco, Francisca Tuahuma, and Cecília Dumbo.

The seven were detained on November 23, 2024, following a violent police intervention during a land dispute. On May 6, 2026, the court handed down its verdict in the absence of the defendants and their lawyers, who had been notified only two days before the hearing despite the law requiring 15 days’ notice. The court acquitted all defendants of the charge of criminal association, fully acquitted Kapamba Tchahima Kapamba for lack of evidence, and suspended the proceedings against Muetuiapula Francisco. However, it sentenced the remaining five to various prison terms.

The verdict raises serious fair trial concerns. The convictions rest on facts established against the defendants collectively, without each individual’s conduct having been established in respect of each of the charges. Four of the five were convicted of damage to public property and aggravated resistance in relation to facts that occurred while they were already in police custody.

I urge you to ensure that the convictions of the five Vikolôngwa Mbútwa community members not supported by credible, lawfully obtained evidence are quashed, and that the rights of the defense and all fair trial guarantees are fully respected throughout the appeal process, including the right of the defendants and their lawyers to be duly notified of, and present at, all hearings.

Yours sincerely,

[YOUR NAME]

Step 2

Send your message

Mail your letter to the government officials listed below. You can also email, fax, call, or post about them on social media.

Send your letter to:

Prosecutor General of the Republic

Pedro Mendes de Carvalho

Rua 17 de Setembro

Cidade Alta, Luanda, Angola

[email protected]

and

CC: Angolan Embassy in the United States

Send a copy of your letter to the address below

Ambassador Agostinho Van-Dúnem

2108 16th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20009

[email protected]

When writing your letter, don’t forget to be factual, brief, and show respect. See more letter writing tips and emails, or organize and host a letter writing party.

Other Urgent Actions for this Case

First UA Issued: [Angola 30.26]

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