UNITA files criminal complaints against Uíge governor and police

The main opposition party in Angola, UNITA, has filed criminal complaints against the Governor of Uíge, José Carvalho da Rocha, and the National Police commander, Ernesto Hayamunye. The legal action follows incidents on August 8 that resulted in several injuries among party militants.

UNITA Vice-President Arlete Chimbinda accused the National Police of being instrumentalized by the ruling MPLA party to attack members who were attempting to commemorate the birth of party founder Jonas Savimbi. Chimbinda alleged that the police acted with partiality and that there is evidence of premeditation and provocation by the ruling party to disrupt the opposition's activities.

In response, National Police Second Commander-General Orlando Bernardo stated that the police intervened to maintain public order after militants gathered in an unauthorized location. The police have blamed UNITA for the unrest, claiming the party refused to hold the commemoration in the location designated by authorities.