Luanda: Gilberto Luis Santos, executive coordinator of the Consumer Protection Association (ADECOR), said on Saturday that the Consumer Protection Law is out of step with the current dynamics of the national market economy, which weakens the security of consumer rights in Angola. According to Angola Press News Agency, in an interview on World Consumer Rights Day, observed on March 15, the ADECOR representative stated that, despite its historical trajectory beginning in 1996, the sector is currently experiencing a period of "regression" due to recent state reform measures. Santos attributed this setback to the absence of a new law, the dissolution of the National Institute for Consumer Protection (INADEC), the lack of new associations, and the lack of fiscal independence among economic agents. The ADECOR coordinator highlighted concerns over integrating consumer protection policies into the National Authority for Economic Inspection and Food Safety (ANIESA), which gives the impression that the institution is "both judge and party" in conflicts involving public companies that provide essential services. To address this, the official suggested creating an arbitration tribunal exclusively addressing issues between consumers and economic agents to expedite solutions to conflicts of interest. Despite logistical limitations, Santos mentioned that ADECOR resolves about 95% of conflicts extrajudicially through its Consumer Support Room (SAC). World Consumer Rights Day is celebrated annually on March 15 to raise awareness about consumer rights protection and promote fair and responsible consumption practices. The date highlights the importance of protection, safety, information, and free choice in commercial relations. Established officially by the UN in 1985 based on a 1962 speech by President John F. Kennedy, it is a time to raise awareness of rights, as well as a period of intense commercial offers often called "Consumer Week."
