President Biden’s sweeping pardon for his son Hunter Biden has sparked much debate. But the proximity of his decision to visiting Angola has been largely ignored. This is wrong. Angolans are well aware of the politicization of the judiciary and how the fight against corruption can be weaponized. Few societies know more about the harmful consequences of powerful families operating by a different set of rules than the rest of the population. The timing of Biden’s decision further complicates an already complicated visit.
Biden’s visit is aimed at demonstrating the seriousness of the United States’ commitment to African partners and demonstrating that the United States is paying attention to the priorities and needs of African countries. The President will promote the Lobito Corridor project, an ambitious rehabilitation and expansion of the railway linking the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Zambia and Angola, which will improve supply chain efficiency and create viable opportunities to add value. It should be created. The administration rightly defends this initiative, which responds to a long-standing and significant need for reliable and transparent financing of infrastructure and the job creation opportunities that come with it.
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Angola
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But along with jobs, Africans want cleaner and more responsible government. They are quick to associate selfish leaders with sloppy public service delivery. In Angola, President José Eduardo dos Santos held power for nearly 40 years before being succeeded by current President João Lorenzo. Mr. Lurenzo built up resentment early in his tenure, as the dos Santos family had good jobs and amassed incredible wealth. Many Angolans were excited to see the former president’s children held accountable. But over time, it became clear that Mr. Lorenzo’s anti-corruption efforts were highly selective, with ruling elites continuing to use their positions and access to the state treasury to line their own pockets. . That clarity is part of what is driving the protests in Luanda’s streets. If selective accountability is simply a means of consolidating power, it does little to give people confidence in the system.
True, Hunter Biden is no Isabelle or Zenu dos Santos. He did not raid the US Treasury. The U.S. and Angola judicial systems are far from equal. But Angolans are sensitive to scenarios in which the children of powerful people are protected differently than ordinary citizens, and to the idea that laws could be selectively enforced to the detriment of political opponents. It’s not hard to understand that you might see something uncomfortably familiar. With the latest news. Best of all, the latest developments raise concerns among Angolans and Americans about how to avoid politicized prosecutions, sow cynicism about combating corruption, and how to build confidence in a fair and impartial judiciary. This will be a great way to start a conversation. U.S. and Angolan officials involved in Biden’s trip are unlikely to welcome this dialogue. Their citizens may feel differently.
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Angola
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