Luanda - The new National Security Law approved Wednesday by the lawmakers, is more comprehensive, regulating matters such as cyber security, space and others that constitute territorial risks and threats.
According to the Minister of State and Head of the Military House of the President of the Republic, Francisco Pereira Furtado, the new law takes into account the current international situation.
The minister highlighted, for example, what is happening in Africa, the war between Russia and Ukraine, as well as the situation in the Middle East, which draw attention to the need to provide full security and not just its territory.
Furtado stressed that the law does not only cover state security, but also a broader concept, such as human, food and environmental security, as well as the ability of people to live in freedom, peace and tranquility and to bring about the sustainable development of the country.
The law, which has six chapters, an equal number of sections and 46 articles, applies to all areas over which the Angolan state exercises its sovereignty and jurisdiction, as well as to the sectors, institutions, bodies and services that make up the national security system and to citizens in general.
The aim of the national security law is to permanently guarantee national independence and sovereignty, defense, territorial integrity, the democratic rule of law, the security of the population, their property, as well as the protection of national heritage, maintenance of peace and order in conditions that correspond to national objectives and interests.
Biosafety, environmental protection, promotion of sustainable economic and social development, peace, security and international stability are also among its objectives.
The ruling MPLA explains that it voted in favor because it believes that the law incorporates “robust and consistent” measures to prevent and combat threats to national security such as terrorism, espionage and sabotage.
The largest opposition party UNITA on its turn, said the party abstained because it believes there are gaps in the approved law and recommends the National Assembly urgently regulate the supervision, organization, functioning and financial regime of the intelligence sectors and services. ART/TED/AMP
