Angola arrests five ahead of protest

ANGOLA: Angolan authorities on Monday arrested five people including journalists ahead of a planned protest against the 31-year rule of President Jose Eduardo dos Santos, one of its organisers said.

Three journalists of the Novo Jornal daily, their driver and a rapper famed for his inflammatory lyrics against the veteran strongman were arrested overnight in Luanda, said Mangovo Ngoyo, speaking by telephone from London. Following the arrests, organisers pushed back the demonstration to later Monday after initial planning to march at midnight, he added.

Since last month rumours have circulated on the Internet of North Africa-style protests scheduled to begin on March 7.

While the organisers of the protest remain largely anonymous, a Facebook page called “The Angolan People’s Revolution” had called on Angolans to march at midnight with posters “demanding the departure of Ze Du (Dos Santos’ nickname), his ministers and his corrupt friends.” Rapper Brigadeiro Mata Frakus, who recently returned from exile, is hugely popular on the Internet since he released a song criticising Dos Santos, in power since 1979.

The Novo Jornal Deputy Manager Gustavo Costaun, confirmed the arrests of its employees. Police could not be reached for confirmation.

Local media put the number of arrests higher.

Luanda, Monday, AFP