Luanda: The Minister of National Defense, Former Combatants and Veterans of the Fatherland, Joo Ernesto dos Santos "Liberdade", highlighted today in Luanda the importance of the approval by Parliament of the Law that amends Law No. 26/19, of September 25, concerning the Organization of the Supreme Military Court.
According to Angola Press News Agency, the Minister expressed his views in an interview following the approval of the Act initiated by the Holder of the Executive Branch. Despite the presence of votes in favor, against, and abstentions, the majority of representatives voted in favor of the new legal framework regulating the functioning of the Supreme Military Court (STM).
The Minister detailed that with the approval of the Bill, the STM will now have expanded competencies in military justice administration. The introduction of two chambers with distinct responsibilities aims to reinforce its internal and functional organization. Once published in the Official Gazette, it will be the responsibility of the competent authorities to implement the newly approved provisions.
On the legislative front, the UNITA Parliamentary Group, through MP Olvio Quilumbo, clarified that while they are not opposed to the law, they believe the diploma fails to ensure the administrative and financial autonomy required for all higher courts under article 138 of the Constitution. UNITA also voiced concerns regarding the installation of the planned chambers by the plenary, warning against the risk of an indefinite transition and a reform that remains merely symbolic.
Conversely, MPLA parliamentarian Pedro Neto emphasized that the legislative initiative aligns with the ongoing structural and institutional reforms in the country, spearheaded by President Joo Louren§o. He described it as a significant step towards reforming military justice within the Angolan Armed Forces.
Neto further underscored that military justice bodies are integral to the State's legal system, although governed by special rules and operating within a constitutional framework that includes organic laws, military justice codes, and disciplinary regulations. These instruments are essential due to the unique demands of the military context, characterized by the need for discipline, hierarchy, operational readiness, and the defense of national sovereignty.
