Angolan Court Sentences Dozens to Prison in Major Corruption Trial
A high-profile corruption trial involving 49 individuals, mostly former soldiers from Angola’s presidential guard and bank employees, came to an end on Thursday, August 12, 2021, when a court sentenced them to prison terms ranging from three to 14 years. The defendants were charged with embezzlement, fraud, and abuse of power.
The Corruption Trial
Presided over by judge Andrade da Silva, the trial took place at Talatona Convention Centre, located about 30 kilometers (19 miles) south of Luanda, due to the sheer number of defendants and witnesses. The proceedings lasted six hours and saw testimony from a total of 202 witnesses.
Damage to the Angolan State
The court found that the group was responsible for significant damage to the Angolan state through their illegal activities, which continued unchecked for over a decade. One instance of malfeasance involved the keeping of hundreds of ghost military workers on the payroll of the presidential guard unit between 2008 and 2018. The salaries paid to these non-existent soldiers amounted to around 38 billion kwanzas ($77 million), according to the court’s findings.
Some army officers were also accused of aiding in the discovery of stashes of foreign and local currency hidden in boxes and suitcases at two Luanda properties belonging to one army major, Pedro Lussaty. Prosecutors found $4 million in cash and €391,000 in this hoard, as well as $600,000 worth of watches.
The Impact of the Trial
The heart of the criminal activities, the court determined, was the office of the secretary-general in the presidency. The accused, represented by over 30 lawyers, have indicated their intention to appeal the rulings.
President João Lourenco, a former general who took office in 2017, has vowed to combat the rampant corruption prevalent during his predecessor’s, José Eduardo dos Santos’ 38-year rule. The corruption took root during the Dos Santos era, leaving the southern African nation with a legacy of poverty and nepotism.
Helder Chihuto, an opposition politician and lawyer, commented during the trial’s initial hearing in June that the defendants were “the small fish,” hinting at the possibility of more high-ranking individuals being implicated in corruption cases. Dos Santos passed away in July in Barcelona, weeks after suffering cardiorespiratory arrest, and was later accused of appointing family members and close associates to key positions.
Significance of the Trial
The trial’s conclusion represents a significant step forward for Angola in its fight against corruption and could set a precedent for future cases and their outcomes.
Instances of Malfeasance
- Keeping hundreds of ghost military workers on the payroll of the presidential guard unit between 2008 and 2018, paying them approximately 38 billion kwanzas ($77 million).
- Discovering stashes of foreign and local currency hidden in boxes and suitcases at two Luanda properties owned by an army major, totaling around $4.46 million.
Individuals Involved
- 49 defendants, mainly former soldiers from Angola’s presidential guard and bank employees.
- Over 30 lawyers representing the accused.
- Judge Andrade da Silva presiding over the trial.
Impact of Corruption on Angola
- Rampant corruption during former President José Eduardo dos Santos’ 38-year rule.
- Legacy of poverty and nepotism.
- Significant damage to the Angolan state.