Northern Judicial Region Coordinator to Reinforce Illegal Gold Mining Fight

Uíge: The newly appointed coordinator of the Northern Judicial Region, Public Prosecutor Arlindo Júlio Francisco, pledged to fortify efforts against the illegal gold mining and fuel smuggling activities prevalent in the region. He announced his commitment during an introductory meeting with the Provincial Uíge Government and key justice, defense, and security entities. According to Angola Press News Agency, Francisco, who replaces Magistrate Astrogildo Joo Pedro Culolo, emphasized the importance of tackling these specific crimes, particularly in the province of Uíge, where such illegal activities demand immediate and focused attention. He acknowledged the broader challenges facing the region but identified fuel smuggling and illegal gold mining as the most pressing issues for the institution he leads. To address these challenges, Francisco plans to convene a meeting with Justice technicians, employees of the General Regime of the Attorney General's Office in Uíge, and magistrates from both the Public Prosec utor's Office of the Common and Military Forum. These discussions aim to strategize on strengthening the region's legal framework and enforcement capabilities. The Northern Judicial Region, under Francisco's coordination, includes the provinces of Uíge, Zaire, Bengo, Cabinda, Cuanza-Norte, and Malanje, each with its own set of challenges in the fight against illegal resource exploitation.