Angola's Lourenco will fortify party and state control

Significance

Previously, Lourenco had shown official deference to his predecessor, former President Jose Eduardo dos Santos (in office 1979-2017). However, since becoming head of the ruling People’s Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA) in September, a year after his election as state president, Lourenco has hardened his anti-graft rhetoric.

Impacts

• Lourenco will try to mend strained relations with former colonial power Portugal; this could partially ease the debt crisis.
• Diplomatic tensions between Angola and the Democratic Republic of the Congo could worsen over the former's expulsion of Congolese migrants.
• Former Vice-President Manuel Vicente's reputation as a Lourenco confidante will hamper the president's good governance message.