Friends of Angola demands investigation into Sequele demolitions

The NGO Friends of Angola has called for an urgent investigation into the demolition of homes and alleged land expropriation in the Vila Verde Cativa neighborhood, located in the Sequele municipality of Icolo e Bengo province.

According to the organization, more than 400 families are affected. Residents, some of whom have lived in the area for over 40 years, claim they were not notified and were allegedly coerced into ceding land. There are allegations that the land is being seized for sale to Chinese companies to build warehouses and shops.

The organization reported serious human rights concerns, including reports of violence by armed individuals appearing to be members of the Angolan National Police and the Angolan Armed Forces (FAA). Tragically, the NGO cited reports of two deaths: a woman who reportedly suffered a heart attack during the demolitions and a newborn baby who died inside a home being demolished. Friends of Angola has requested that authorities clarify land ownership, the legality of the operations, and the identities of the beneficiaries.