Angolan political analysts in Luanda have criticized the UK government's intention to negotiate the reception of illegal immigrants in other countries as a 'degrading business' that shames Africa and could violate the rights of the individuals concerned. Last week, British media reported that Angola and Cape Verde were on a list of potential countries to be contacted by the UK for this purpose, but both governments have denied any such contact. Legal and international relations expert Sebastião Vinte e Cinco condemned the UK's intention as shameful, while political analyst Ilídio Manuel called it inhumane and urged African governments to address migration issues. Journalist and lawyer Jorge Eurico warned of potential inhumane treatment and human rights violations. The UK House of Commons recently voted on a controversial bill allowing the deportation of migrants to Rwanda, which the Prime Minister intends to proceed with.

Angolan human rights organizations have criticized the United Nations for requesting the release of Angolan businessman Carlos São Vicente, accusing the UN of bias and double standards in addressing violations in Angola. A UN working group concluded São Vicente's detention was arbitrary and violated his right to a fair trial. NGOs like Omunga and SOS Habitat expressed concerns about the UN's impartiality, while the Associação Justiça, Paz e Democracia acknowledged the UN's call for release but also accused it of partiality. The UN's conclusion, detailed in a 16-page document, highlighted violations regarding São Vicente's pre-trial detention and the need for an impartial and independent trial. São Vicente, who is married to the daughter of Angola's first President Agostinho Neto, is currently serving a prison sentence for embezzlement, tax fraud, and money laundering.

The Angolan government's announcements for 2024, including a public sector wage increase, VAT reduction, and the opening of a new international airport in Luanda, are met with skepticism by analysts and union leaders. They doubt these measures will significantly improve living conditions, citing a need for more pragmatic policies that address employment and the improvement of education and health services. Despite the criticism, some still encourage hope for progress in the coming year.

Angolan analysts and opinion makers find the new Political and Administrative Division (DPA) proposed by the government to be untimely. The plan, announced by the Executive, includes the creation of two new provinces, increasing the total to 20, and the number of municipalities to 325. The number of deputies will also rise from 220 to 230. Moxico and Cuando Cubango provinces will be divided. Critics argue the division will not address regional disparities and question the public consultation process. The government assures that the DPA will not require constitutional changes and that it will not interfere with the establishment of local power. The implementation is set to begin in 2025 and will be phased, including preparations for the respective budgets.

João Lourenço, President of Angola's ruling party MPLA, accused the main opposition party UNITA of misinterpretation and of trying to stimulate internal division within the MPLA. He made these remarks without naming UNITA directly, during a political bureau meeting. Lourenço also criticized those who, instead of supporting anti-corruption efforts, claim nothing is being done. In response, UNITA's Secretary for Communication and Marketing, Evaldo Evangelista, stated that the MPLA leader's comments were not directed at UNITA and that the process of removing the President is not closed. Journalist Ilídio Manuel suggested that Lourenço is attempting to externalize his party's internal issues and blame others for provoking them. He also criticized the selective nature of the anti-corruption process, which he believes has stalled and involves current collaborators of the President.

Angolan economists acknowledge that the country may not have the internal production capacity in the short term to economically benefit from China's decision to cancel import tariffs on 98% of Angolan products. While some see China's intention as a great opportunity to export quality agricultural products to the Chinese market, others are skeptical about the immediate results for the Angolan economy. The measure, which also affects Gambia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Madagascar, Mali, and Mauritania, will take effect on December 25. Experts like Carlos Rosado de Carvalho view it as a political gesture, while José Severino believes it opens doors for Chinese economic operators who benefit from financing from Chinese banks to invest in Angola. Estevão Gomes suggests that without internal policies to increase agricultural production, the benefits will be limited. Nataniel Fernandes sees it as good news but questions Angola's capacity to take advantage of the opportunities. Galvão Branco believes Angola can introduce agricultural products into the Chinese market if they are of competitive quality.

Angola faces the risk of spending the festive season in darkness due to vandalism of power towers that transport electricity from north to south. Over 52 high-tension towers have been damaged from January to November, with losses exceeding $5 million. RNT's CEO, Rui do Amaral Gourgel, describes these acts as sabotage. The Ministry of Energy and Water and the Office of the Military House of the President have also expressed concerns, with the latter classifying such acts as terrorism. President João Lourenço and social activist Domingos Cazombo have condemned the destruction of public property. The ongoing rains further threaten to impact the festive season by damaging infrastructure, including electricity.

A civil society organization in Cabinda, Angola, accused the municipal administration of not providing security guarantees for a demonstration planned for Saturday to mark Human Rights Day. The leader of the Sociedade Civil Organizada (SOCO), Clemente Cuilo, stated that despite the lack of police presence, the protest would go ahead as legally planned. The demonstration aims to protest against high living costs, human rights violations, social degradation, arbitrary detentions, police brutality, unemployment, movement restrictions, and poor governance.

The American ambassador in Angola, Tulinabo Mushingi, emphasized support for the application of basic democratic principles in Angola but stated that the U.S. cannot dictate how the government should implement them. During a press conference, he addressed freedom of expression, political party freedom, and local government elections. Mushingi also discussed bilateral investment agreements and minimized the presence of investors from other countries in the Lobito Corridor. He expressed satisfaction with Angola's stance on the war in Ukraine and between Israel and Hamas, highlighting Angola's role in promoting world peace.

Angola stands to benefit from the upcoming meeting between President Joe Biden and President João Lourenço in Washington, according to experts. The meeting is seen as a culmination of Angola's economic reforms, aligning with the U.S. government's strategy on human rights, transparency, anti-corruption, and gender equality. Angola aims to secure a portion of the $200 billion the U.S. has committed to invest in African countries over the next five years, from a total package of $600 billion approved by the G7. Economists believe the investment could propel Angola into the G30, the group of the world's 30 most developed countries. The meeting is also viewed as part of the economic competition between the U.S. and Russia for influence in Africa. The White House stated that the meeting will discuss ways to deepen bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, climate, and energy, including the Lobito Corridor investment project.