Andulo: Residents of Andulo, in Bi© province, were briefed on Wednesday on the role of the Ombudsman in guaranteeing the rights, freedoms, and guarantees of citizens through justice and the legality of public administration. The event, held at the Kaundy Cultural Center, was presided over by the Ombudsman's delegate in Bi©, Concei§o Bah Joo.
According to Angola Press News Agency, Concei§o Bah Joo urged all residents to reach out to the institution whenever their rights are threatened, emphasizing that the body serves as the main mediator of conflicts, acting in defense of the legitimate interests of citizens. She explained that the Ombudsman is tasked with assessing and analyzing complaints against illegalities committed by public authorities, in accordance with the principles of the Constitution of the Republic of Angola, with the aim of building a more democratic and rule-of-law state.
S³crates de Jesus, the Public Prosecutor for Andulo, stated that although the Ombudsman does not replace the courts, he acts quickly and accessibly in preventing injustices, correcting abuses of power, and ensuring a more assertive public service. In statements to ANGOP, Laurinda Matos, a teacher, expressed that she learned about the Ombudsman's Office acting as a bridge between citizens and the State, which would encourage her to be more vigilant about injustices, particularly with employers. She called for the extension of these services to other municipalities in the province to enable citizens to file complaints without constraint.
Ant³nio Henriques, a student, urged all public and private employees to seek intervention from the institution when needed, highlighting that the process is free of charge. Janu¡rio Lopes, a nurse, emphasized the agency's importance to the most needy, advocating for increased awareness of the Ombudsman's office in rural communities where many are unaware of how and where to voice grievances.
The meeting was attended by judicial magistrates, members of the Public Prosecutor's Office, the Local Administration Council, lawyers, ecclesiastical entities, traditional authorities, political parties, and civil society. During the one-day visit to Andulo, the Ombudsman's delegate also reviewed the operations of the municipal administration, the municipal hospital, and primary school No. 42.
