Angola is intensifying its crackdown on illegal diamond trafficking and fuel smuggling, particularly along its borders, with a new initiative termed “Operação Conexão.” This campaign targets crimes often perpetrated by irregular migrants, especially those from the Democratic Republic of Congo.
In recent months, the Ministry of Interior has reported the expulsion of over 36,000 illegal immigrants, with a significant number being Congolese nationals. Additionally, during the period from October 1 to November 27, authorities detained 513 Angolans accused of facilitating or promoting illegal immigration. One of the broader objectives of “Operação Conexão” is to combat human trafficking.
While the government expresses satisfaction with these initial results, civil society voices concerns, arguing that expelling individuals is not a comprehensive solution to the complex issues plaguing the borders.
Cândida Massiza from the organization Mulheres de Cabinda underscores the importance of effective monitoring of both entries and exits in Angola. She emphasizes that all foreigners must possess the necessary documents and clearly state the duration of their stay.
Analyst António Gama adds that enforcing existing immigration rules is crucial, noting that violations are not exclusive to Congolese migrants. He highlights concerns about various nationalities, including Chinese, Vietnamese, and Eritrean migrants, who often remain in Angola unlawfully after their initial permits expire. Gama critiques the lack of action taken against these individuals.
The challenge of corruption complicates the enforcement of these measures. Rafael Lembe from the Angolan Bar Association points out that in situations where migrants are confirmed to be undocumented, their human rights must be protected during the expulsion process. Lembe argues that many repatriated foreigners face conditions that undermine their dignity. He calls for better accommodations and warns against viewing expulsion solely as a matter of dropping individuals at the border.
Furthermore, Lembe emphasizes the need to broaden the scope of efforts against crimes related to migration, raising concerns about potential corrupt practices within state institutions that might facilitate illegal entry or residency of migrants. He advocates for policies aimed at improving compensation for officials in the Migration and Foreigners Service (SME) to prevent corruption.
The ongoing situation reflects the complex intersection of immigration, law enforcement, and human rights in Angola, highlighting the urgent need for holistic solutions rather than temporary fixes.
