MPLA internal disciplinary and leadership disputes

The ruling MPLA party in Angola is facing internal legal and disciplinary challenges regarding its members and leadership processes.

In October 2026, the Angolan Constitutional Court annulled the expulsion of Valdir de Jesus do Sacramento Cónego from the party’s Central Committee. The court ruled that the MPLA’s disciplinary process was invalid because it violated Cónego’s right to a defense, noting that the party incorrectly claimed he failed to respond to charges when he had submitted a written contestation in May 2025. The court ordered the disciplinary procedure to be redone, though it upheld the principle of party organizational autonomy.

Concurrently, the MPLA Central Committee rejected a leadership bid by Higino Carneiro, declaring his candidacy null and void. The committee cited “grave irregularities,” including the alleged use of falsified signatures and improper identification documents. Following a hierarchical appeal, the committee maintained its decision and announced it would initiate disciplinary proceedings against Carneiro for a “voluntary and conscious violation of ethical and moral duties.” The party also indicated it would report the suspected document forgery to the Attorney General’s Office ahead of its ordinary congress scheduled for December.