Angolan President Joao Lourenco vowed to push ahead with economic reform and hailed voters’ “tolerance” as he was sworn in on Thursday for a second term after a divisive electoral win.
Amid tight security, Lourenco pledged to be “president for all Angolans” at a colourful ceremony held at the historic Praca da Republica square in the capital Luanda.
“Congratulations for the patriotism and high degree of tolerance, and civility shown in what are already considered the most disputed general elections in the history of the young Angolan democracy,” he said in his inauguration speech.
“Angolans have demonstrated to the world that at crucial moments, they know how to make the best choices and choose the future of their country with great responsibility”.
He said that by electing him and his party, Angola had chosen “continuity” and will be guaranteed “stability” as he pointed to further economic liberalisation in a country ruled since independence by a historically socialist party.
He promised to push ahead with reforms to encourage the private sector, expand the offer of goods and services and fight youth unemployment.
The Ethiopian Herald September 17/2022
