Angola’s Security Apparatus and the Battle for 2027

This week, host and Zitamar editor-at-large Fernando Lima is joined by Paula Cristina Roque, author, researcher and security-sector analyst, and Executive Director of Intelwatch.

They begin with the government’s plans for a new North South railway corridor, including the €1.084 billion contract awarded for the section running towards Menongue, and discuss what Angola’s latest generation of large infrastructure projects may deliver for the wider economy.

The conversation then turns to the political questions dominating the run-up to 2027. Paula sets out her concerns about voter registration and electoral safeguards before examining President João Lourenço’s recent changes across the armed forces, police and intelligence apparatus (from 16:36). The discussion looks at which figures retain influence inside the security establishment, whether further changes could follow, and how the security institutions could shape the political environment ahead of the election. The September reshuffle included changes across the FAA, National Police, SIC, intelligence services and Casa Militar, as well as the retirement of 26 generals and admirals who had reached the age limit.

Finally, Fernando and Paula examine the unresolved MPLA succession (from 23:48). They discuss names including Bornito de Sousa and other possible successors to Lourenço, the position of Higino Carneiro, and the opposition landscape around Adalberto Costa Júnior and Abel Chivukuvuku. Paula also considers whether dialogue across Angola’s political divide could reduce the risks surrounding the transition.

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