Africa News blog

Angola throws back punches

Tired of being criticised for being one of the world’s most secretive governments, Angola is finally throwing back some punches. Top government officials, including the economy minister, the finance minister and the head of the central bank, held a news conference late on Friday to discuss the government’s first 200 days in power — the second news conference of the kind this year. “You thought we wouldn’t do this again,” said Carlos Feijo, Angola’s powerful minister of state who is seen by many as the president’s right-hand man. “Well, here we are.” He then went on to speak non-stop for 40 minutes, describing how the economy had improved in recent months, plans to pay billions in debt to construction firms and the fight against poverty and corruption before opening up the floor to questions. Many journalists praised the government’s decision to hold the news conference as a step in the right direction in a nation where officials seem to be paid to keep quiet and where people are afraid to openly criticise the president. Greater transparency could also bolster Angola’s chances of receiving more Western loans and placing debt with private investors abroad, as it seeks cash shore up its finances after the recent slump in oil prices. Angola was ranked in the bottom 19 of 180 countries in a Transparency International corruption study last year. State-run daily Jornal de Angola hailed the news conference a success in an editorial a few days later. “The Angolan government has explained how public funds are being managed so that Angolans continue to trust in those they elected into government for four years,” said Jornal de Angola. “It is important that all Angolans, whether or not they voted for the ruling party, to be aware of the importance of this extraordinary performance.” The question is whether the Angolan government is serious about increasing transparency or simply using the media’s thirst for information to campaign ahead of the nation’s 2012 elections.