The Angola Ombudsman Dr. Florbela Rocha Araujo host her fellow Ombudsman around the globe to commemorate the Nation’s Ombudsman Institution 20th Anniversary.
The activities of the first day of the 20th Anniversary which took place at PALACE OF JUSTICE on Tuesday 22nd April 2025 was kicked-off with a warm welcome address that was delivered by Ombudsman of Angola, followed by the commemorative video of the 20th Anniversary since the Election of the first Ombudsman.
Her Excellency, President of the International Ombudsman Institute and President of the Human Rights Commission of Mexico City, Dr. Nashieli Ramirez Hernandez gave goodwill message through video conference.
The memorable event also featured various tributes and awards to the Most Honourable First Ombudsman of the Republic of Angola- Dr. Paulo Tjipilica.
Other eminent high-profile personalities namely: the Most Honourable First Deputy Ombudsman of Angola, Dr Maria da Conceicaude Almeida Sango; members of Executive and Parliament of Angola who contributed to the growth and development of the Angola Ombudsman institution.
Furthermore, Her Excellency, Public Protector of Zambia and Secretary General of the African Ombudsman and Mediators Association, Dr. Caroline Sokoni gave gift to Angola Ombudsman on behalf of AOMA.
The opening ceremony ended with group photograph, thereafter the visit to the parliament by all the Ombudsman present.
The 2-day events between 22nd April, 2025 to 23srd April, 2025 had 4 groups discussions which was moderated by Substitute Ombudsman, Aguinaldo Cristovao.
Followings are the themes of discussion:
Theme 1: The Ombudsman and its History throughout its existence in Angola by Venerable Federal Judge of Electoral Court, Dr. Maria da Conceicaude de Almeida Sango.
Theme 2: The Ombudsman in Constitution of the Republic of Angola by Professor Raul Araujo
Theme 3: The Ombudsman – Effectiveness of Recommendations and Challenges by Professor Carlos Feijo and
Theme 4: The Ombudsman and Effective Jurisdictional Protection by Professor Manuel Camati.
There were questions and answers session to end the first day activities of the Anniversary.
To round-up the first Day of this significant 20th Anniversary of the Angola Ombudsman Institution, all the Ombudsman present including Nigerian Chief Ombudsman of the Federation, Honourable Bashir Abubakar, MFR as a mark of diplomatic respect warmly paid an official visit to the President of the Republic of Angola, president Joao Lourenco.
ACTIVITIES OF DAY-2 OF ANGOLA OMBUDSMAN 20TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
The 20th Anniversary of Angola Ombudsman celebration 2nd Day order of activities officially commenced with a keynote address by Dr. Amelia Lopez, President of Latin- American Ombudsman Institute.
Shortly after, Dr. Caroline Sokoni, the Secretary General of Africa Ombudsman and Mediators Association (AOMA) also gave her remarks on importance of African Union to give recognition to the institution of Ombudsman for its effectiveness in Africa.
The AOMA Secretary -General, Dr. Caroline Sokoni further encouraged all present Ombudsman to work hard in order for other African countries to join the Association and reopen where it was closed.
The Dr. Caroline Sokoni, the AOMA Secretary-General then appealed to the President of the Republic of Angola who doubled as the African Union (A.U) Chairman to make the recognition of Ombudsman Institution in all the African Countries a reality.
Thereafter, the Secretary -General of AOMA, Dr. Caroline Sokoni formally declared the event of the Day-2 opened by simultaneously inviting the moderator of the day, Dr. Aguinaldo Guedes da Costa Cristovao, Ombudsman of Malawi who later introduced the five panelists.
The 1st panelist, Hon. Isaac Chande, Ombudsman of Mozambique discussed on “The Ombudsman and the protection of prisoners’ right”.
The 2nd theme was tagged: “Ombudsman as a mechanism for conflict resolution and the promotion of social peace” was ably delivered by the Secretary General of AOMA, Dr. Caroline Sokoni, the Ombudsman of Zambia.
The 3rd theme was handled by Dr. Stephen Basi Tiroyakgosi, the Ombudsman of Botswana who discussed “Ombudsman and transparency and accountability in public administration”.
“The Ombudsman and the protection of vulnerable group” which was the fourth discussion was delivered by Ombudsman of Benin, Dr. Pascal Essou.
While the last panelist, Dr. Leonardo Magalhaes, the Ombudsman of Brazil shared on Brazil experiences of the practices of Ombudsman.
The panel discussion ended with several questions and answers.
Thereafter, the moderator appreciated all the panelists and audience for a successful deliberation and encouraged actions on all salient points of the discourse.
At the end of the panel’s discussion, the summary of the activities of the 20th Anniversary of Angola was conclusively handled by a senior officer of Angola Ombudsman.
While the vote of thanks was given by the Deputy Ombudsman of Angola to officially drawn the curtain on the 2-day 20th Anniversary of the Angola Ombudsman on an interesting note.
At the end of the day, there was also Long Service Awards to officers of the Angola Ombudsman, cutting of the Anniversary cake and exchange of gifts between Ombudsman during the dinner time which was colourfully held at Angola cultural centre.
