FNLA faces leadership disputes and bribery allegations ahead of congress

The National Liberation Front of Angola (FNLA) is facing internal friction as it prepares for its VI Ordinary Congress, an event intended to elect a new party president. Presidential candidate Fernando Pedro Gomes has alleged that some candidates are engaging in the bribery and solicitation of delegates to influence the congress. While Gomes did not name specific individuals, he stated that the allegations came from the delegates themselves and asserted that ‘the FNLA is not for sale.’

Competing for leadership are Sofia Rodrigues Coelho Francisco and Pedro Nóa Wete. The party's internal divisions are further highlighted by the existence of two separate preparatory committees. One group, linked to the current leadership, has been conducting elective assemblies in several provinces, including Benguela, Cabinda, Cuanza-Sul, Huambo, Uíge, and Zaire.

In Cabinda, the FNLA held an assembly to elect provincial representatives, resulting in 11 delegates being selected to participate in the national conclave. Palágia Mabiala, the Provincial First Secretary in Cabinda, downplayed the internal conflicts, maintaining that the party remains cohesive and focused on its goal of contesting the 2027 general elections.