The predominance of individuals with connections to the Security apparatus recently appointed to high positions in the government or in State institutions in the defence and security sector is interpreted by analysts of Angolan domestic politics as a "new omen" that JOÃO LOURENÇO (JL) is determined to remain in power beyond his mandate or, alternatively, to condition the process of his replacement.
Alongside their ties to the security apparatus, the new appointees are identified as close to and/or trusted by JL and/or FERNANDO MIALA (FM), head of the State Intelligence and Security Service (SINSE) and, in fact, coordinator of the State security apparatus, which also includes the External Intelligence Service (SIE) and the Military Intelligence and Security Service (SISM). READ MORE