To Realize Independence Aspirations, Angolans Must Overcome “division, inequality”: Catholic Archbishop

As Angola ushers in the Golden Jubilee celebrations of independence to conclude on November 11, the country’s Independence Day, the President of CEAST emphasized the need to address the worsening economic inequality, with the rich becoming fewer but wealthier, while the number of poor continues to rise.

High unemployment, particularly among youths, is fuelling social marginalization and crime, he noted, and added, “The education system is failing, leaving too many children without access to schooling, especially among the poorest communities.”

Archbishop Imbamba said that “the health sector continues to struggle with fundamental challenges,” and need to humanize its services, “improving the treatment of patients.”

He also condemned corruption, citing a recent financial scandal in which eight officials from Angola’s General Tax Administration (AGT) were accused of embezzling seven billion kwanzas (US$7,633,587.78)

“All these situations generate an atmosphere of distrust, uncertainty, and discomfort. They reveal a serious crisis of ethics and patriotism,” the CEAST President said. 

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Despite these challenges, Archbishop Imbamba called upon the people of God in Angola to embrace hope and work toward national renewal, especially during the Catholic Church’s 2025 Jubilee Year.

“As pilgrims of hope, we must unite our efforts to change this undeserved and bleak reality. This is the moment—to take advantage of the graces of this Jubilee Year and work toward true transformation,” he said.

The Jubilee, the Angolan Catholic Archbishop went on to say, should be a time of “liberation, new beginnings, and new opportunities,” rooted in restorative justice, truth, mercy, forgiveness, and reconciliation.

Referring to Pope Francis, he called on his compatriots to foster a “culture of encounter, social friendship, peace, and human progress” through constant dialogue and collaboration.

“The dream of a better Angola cannot remain just a dream. We must grow in human, spiritual, cultural, civic, and professional dignity, promote genuine citizenship, and ensure ethical training for all public servants,” the Local Ordinary of Saurimo, who started his Episcopal Ministry in December 2008 as Bishop of Angola’s Dundo Catholic Diocese said. 

During the Plenary Assembly, CEAST members are to review reports from Diocesan communities and share their pastoral experiences. 

In his speech, Archbishop Imbamba urged all Angolans, the Clergy, women and men Religious, the Laity, including government officials to remain “steadfast in hope and actively engaged in charity.”

“This is our great challenge. To walk firmly in hope and work tirelessly for the good of all,” the President of CEAST said on February 24.

João Vissesse is an Angolan Journalist with a passion and rich experience in Catholic Church Communication and Media Apostolate.