Felon Appointed as Supreme Court Justice of Angola

The unprecedented appointment of a convicted criminal to the Angolan Supreme Court – in blatant contravention of the law – has sparked a formal complaint to the country’s Attorney-General to trigger a full investigation into the judicial appointment process as well as any improper interference by President João Lourenço.

The Honorable Attorney General of the Republic of Angola

Subject: Submission concerning the illegal acts perpetrated by the Superior Council of the Judiciary and the President of the Republic of Angola

Rafael Marques de Morais, an Angolan national citizen bearer of ID Number [redacted], residing at [redacted], Luanda, based on the following facts, informs the Attorney General of the Republic that the appointment of Carlos Alberto Cavuquila as Justice of the Supreme Court is illegal, a threat to the constitutional order and rule of law, and, therefore, should be annulled. Cavuquila’s appointment is in clear violation of Article 41, paragraph 1, c) of the Statute of Judicial Magistrates (Law No. 7/94).

The appointment of Carlos Alberto Cavuquila as Justice of the Supreme Court

The illegality of the appointment Under Article 180, paragraph 2 of the Constitution, candidates for Supreme Court Justices are nominated by the Superior Council of the Judiciary following a competitive selection process chosen from a pool of judges, public prosecutors, and jurists of merit. Supreme Court Justice nominees are then appointed by the President of the Republic.

Violation of Article 40(1)(c) of the Statute of Judicial Magistrates

Role of the Attorney General’s Office

Conclusions

The future of the rule of law and democracy in Angola lies in legality and the efficient and coordinated operation of the judiciary.

With thanks for your consideration.

Yours sincerely,

Rafael Marques de Morais

Luanda, July 10 2023