Angolagate: Government accused of taking funds destined for Russia

In a new scandal called “Angolagate”, the Angolan government has been accused of misuse of funds which had been set aside for payment of the debt to Russia. President Jose Eduardo dos Santos denies the accusations.

After the Party for Democratic Support and Progress of Angola (PADPA) requested President Jose Eduardo dos Santos to explain to the nation why his name has constantly been linked to international financial scandals, amid accusations that he uses money from oil and arms deals for his personal benefit, the Parliamentary Committee of ruling party MPLA has asked the President, from the same party, to explain the accusations against him in arms trafficking and illegal appropriation of funds.

The case, called “Angolagate” has already roused interest abroad. The Swiss judge Daniel Devaud, decided to freeze bank accounts belonging to the Angolan government containing 614 million USD, after finding evidence of a usurpation of public funds by private individuals in Angola. Among those public figures whose names have been mentioned are President Jose Eduardo dos Santos, among other government ministers, who are accused of expropriating government funds destined for repayment of the debt to the Russian Federation.

President Jose Eduardo dos Santos contests the validity of the jurisdiction of a Swiss court to decide on issues pertaining to the internal affairs of Angola and states that the question of Angola’s debt to Russia has nothing to do with the Swiss authorities.

Timothy BANCROFT-HINCHEY PRAVDA.Ru