Luanda: The Angolan Executive is reinforcing measures to combat vandalism of public property and illegal mining of minerals, the Minister of State and head of the Military Office of the President of the Republic, Francisco Furtado, announced on Thursday in Luanda. The government official was speaking to the press at the end of a meeting led by the President of the Republic, Joo Louren§o, with the governors of the country's 21 provinces.
According to Angola Press News Agency, Francisco Furtado stated that the Executive has requested the National Assembly to urgently consider a new proposed law on vandalism. The meeting focused on the escalating acts of vandalism against public and private equipment and the increasing illegal gold and diamond mining activities in several regions of Angola.
Furtado explained that the Executive had concluded the public consultation process for reviewing the legislation on vandalism after the previous law was invalidated by the Supreme Tribunal of Justice (STF). The new proposal has been approved by the Council of Ministers and sent to parliament for urgent consideration.
Among the ongoing measures, Furtado highlighted the closure of more than 1,600 weighing houses, which are believed to contribute to the practice of vandalism, particularly targeting infrastructure in the energy and water sectors. He advocated for greater involvement from local administrations and communities through awareness campaigns and reporting actions, alongside the effective implementation of the law on community surveillance councils.
Furtado also pointed out weaknesses in the justice system, noting that some individuals arrested for vandalism are released quickly and reoffend. He emphasized the need for better coordination with the courts. Data presented at the meeting indicated that the province of Luanda accounts for 54 percent of the vandalism cases recorded nationwide, followed by Icolo and Bengo with four percent, while the remaining provinces constitute 40 percent.
Regarding illegal mining, the government official expressed concern over the expansion of such activities in provinces like Cabinda, Huambo, Hula, Cunene, Bi©, Lunda Norte, and Lunda Sul. He particularly emphasized the increase in gold exploration in several municipalities. Furtado warned of the consequences of illegal mining, including the spread of diseases such as cholera and fatal accidents caused by landslides.
The meeting aimed to mobilize provincial governments for more active intervention in the prevention, reporting, and referral of cases to the competent authorities. This is in line with the broader effort to strengthen policies that protect public assets and national resources.
