ANGOLA | Ombudsman Angola and Public Protector of Zambia sign Memorandum of Understanding

Angolan Ombudsman, Hon. Antónia Florbela de Jesus Rocha Araújo, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ombudsman of the Republic of Zambia, Hon. Caroline C.Z. Sokoni, with the aim of sharing best practices within the scope of the Ombudsman's activities and safeguarding the fundamental rights of citizens of both parties.

Considering the historical and friendly ties between the Republics of Angola and Zambia, aiming at institutional strengthening to effectively fulfill the missions entrusted to the two Ombudsmen, it was celebrated on 1st of April of the year in course, at the Mulungushi International Conference Center, city of Lusaka, Republic of Zambia, a Memorandum of Understanding between the Angolan Ombudsman, Hon. Antónia Florbela de Jesus Rocha Araújo and Hon. Caroline C. Z. Sokoni, Ombudsman of the Republic of Zambia.

The ceremony was supported by the Government of the Republic of Zambia and Angola, with the presence of His Excellency the Ambassador of the Republic of Angola accredited in the Republic of Zambia, Hon. Azevedo Xavier Francisco, as well as officials from the Zambian and Angolan Ombudsman Offices, and with the local press community.

The Memorandum of Understanding entered into includes 17 clauses, and in general terms, it will enable the exchange of experiences and the sharing of good practices, procedures, periodic exchanges of publications, informative materials, carrying out studies within the scope of the Ombudsman's mandate, facilitating the access of citizens of Angola and Zambia to the respective Ombudsmen and jointly reflect on matters related to the Community of Ombudsmen at an international level.

In her speech, the Zambian Ombudsman showed interest in seeing the defense of the fundamental rights of citizens on both sides reinforced, promoting a public administration that provides services fairly and in line with good governance.

In turn, the Angolan Ombudsman briefly spoke about the scope of action of the Angolan Ombudsman, which falls on the Central and Local Public Administration Bodies of the State, the large public companies, Concessionaires of Public Companies, the Defense and Security, the private bodies that provide Services of Public interest.

Furthermore, the Angolan Ombudsman expressed concern about the situation of migratory regularization of Angolans in the Republic of Zambia, especially those who took refuge in that country during the period of the armed struggle.

Source: Office of the Ombudsman of the Republic of Angola