João Lourenço dismisses MPLA leadership interest as distraction

Angolan President João Lourenço has characterized members of the ruling MPLA party expressing interest in the party's leadership as creating “noise, confusion, and distraction.” Speaking to thousands of militants in Luanda during the party's 69th anniversary celebrations, Lourenço rejected claims that the MPLA is a closed organization that prevents multiple candidacies.

Lourenço addressed recent moves by party members, such as retired general Higino Carneiro, who has expressed intent to run for the MPLA presidency at the upcoming 2026 congress. The President noted that these expressions are merely “manifestations of interest” rather than formal candidacies, urging those involved to follow established rules and wait for the official application period.

He questioned the urgency of these maneuvers, noting that the next general elections are approximately eighteen months away. Lourenço stated that informal letters sent via social media or direct correspondence would be set aside until the formal candidacy commission is established.