How effectively do non-state actors resist government censorship in Angola?

Freedom of expression, enshrined in Article 19 of the UDHR, is routinely violated in Angola, where the ruling MPLA party has held power since independence in 1975. Censorship remains a central tool of political control, with state dominance over media being especially pronounced—100 out of 120 radio stations are state-run (Angola: Media Landscape, 2024). According to Freedom House (2024), Angola scored just 28 out of 100 for overall freedom, highlighting the systematic suppression of civil liberties. In response to this environment, various non-state actors—including local and international NGOs, journalist unions, and digital platforms—have attempted to resist and expose censorship. Organizations like Omunga have maintained long-standing partnerships with Amnesty International, exchanging ground-level data to fuel international campaigns. This 20-year collaboration allows Amnesty to spotlight rights violations globally, even though they struggle with accessing unbiased information due to state-controlled narratives.

Despite these efforts, significant challenges remain. The manipulation of information by government media and the scarcity of reliable data hinder effective advocacy. Omunga manages to avoid some pitfalls through its neutral stance and consistent data collection, but covering a country with limited freedom of speech remains inherently difficult. Journalist unions such as the Union of Angolan Journalists (SJA) play a crucial role in defending press freedom. They frequently file complaints to oversight bodies like the Portfolio and Ethics Commission (CEE), although enforcement is inconsistent. The risks journalists face are high; during a 2023 protest in Luanda, six journalists were physically assaulted while reporting (Hassan, 2023). Such incidents reflect the dangerous conditions for those attempting to report freely.

Digital platforms also serve as resistance tools. ClubK, for instance, is seen as one of the few remaining sources of uncensored news, though it operates under constant threat of state reprisal. BISO, a digital advocacy platform, creates awareness content on censored topics such as police brutality. However, Angola's low internet penetration—only 26% as of 2023 (Kemp, 2023)—limits the reach of online activism. To address this, BISO partnered with BANTUMEN, a larger platform with over 700,000 users, expanding its audience and impact. Still, the digital divide remains a major obstacle, especially in rural regions where digital literacy and internet access are low. Non-state actors must also contend with scarce resources and the constant risk of government retaliation, making sustainable activism difficult. Nevertheless, these efforts have yielded tangible outcomes: international pressure, greater citizen awareness, and alternative narratives to those promoted by the state. Amnesty International’s reports have drawn attention to abuses, weakening Angola’s soft power and increasing global scrutiny. The emergence of platforms like ClubK and BISO demonstrates that even within a repressive context, independent voices continue to find ways to persist. To enhance the effectiveness of these actors, stronger partnerships between domestic and international organizations are essential. Offline engagement, such as community workshops, and ongoing support for journalist safety and digital inclusion, are also critical. Freedom of expression remains a vital cornerstone for democracy—and in Angola, its defense depends on the resilience and collaboration of non-state actors facing formidable odds.