JOÃO LOURENÇO (JL) is attributed the intention of taking advantage of the process of appointing a new PGR as an opportunity to demonstrate that the judicial sector in Angola is more independent of political power than is reflected in generalized assessments on the subject, internal and external – the latter the ones that cause the most concern.

The natural replacement of the current PGR, HÉLDER PITTA-GRÓZ (HPG) would be the vice-PGR, MOTA LIZ (the composition of the PGR includes another deputy PGR, FILOMENO da CONCEIÇÃO, with jurisdiction limited to the military sphere). ML's choice is considered “doubtful” for reasons such as that he is not well accepted by influential sectors of the regime, but mainly because JL is being advised to appoint a magistrate with a more independent profile. READ MORE