UNITA, a former rebel group turned political movement that lost a disputed election last year, has said it wants to initiate a parliamentary process to remove Lourenco from office, accusing the 69-year-old of being authoritarian.

“Someone is responsible for famine, unemployment and the jailing of demonstrators. Who is he?” UNITA leader Adalberto Costa Junior asked a crowd of supporters waving red and green flags — the party colours — in Luanda.

“Joao Lourenco!” came the reply.

The demonstration was organised to celebrate the birthday of former UNITA leader Jonas Savimbi, whose death at the hands of the army in 2002 marked the end of a 27-year civil war between UNITA and Lourenco’s ruling Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA).

But it was used to pile pressure on the government amid popular discontent at poverty, corruption and a shaky economy.

“UNITA is trying to capitalise on the widespread social discontent in society,” said independent analyst Marisa Lourenco, who is not a relative of the president’s.

The oil-rich southern African nation has experienced a wave of protests since the government cut subsidies for petrol in June.

The move was aimed at curbing government spending, as the economy suffers from a slide in oil prices that has weakened the local currency, the kwanza. But it resulted in unpopular sharp fuel price hikes.

“We have a government that does not deserve Angolans,” Costa Junior said.

“Down with the robbers, down,” chanted the crowd.

Under Angola’s constitution, the president can be removed from office if he is considered to have committed acts that threaten democracy.

But UNITA is yet to say when it intends to initiate proceedings and has been scant on details over the specific charges against Lourenco.

The opposition might be hoping to exploit divisions within the ruling party via a secret ballot but observers say the initiative is unlikely to succeed.

Removing the president requires a two-thirds majority vote in parliament and support from the courts. The MPLA, in power since 1975, controls both, said Lourenco, the analyst.

The MPLA has dismissed UNITA’s efforts to remove the president as “unserious” and “undemocratic”.

Prosecutors in Donald Trump’s upcoming trial have asked for limits on what the ex-president can publicly say about the case, after he shared a threatening message online.

In a filing late on Friday night, the prosecutors said they feared Mr Trump might disclose confidential evidence. 

They justified the move citing a post by Mr Trump shared on Friday, saying it targeted people involved in the case.

But Mr Trump’s team insisted the post was directed at political opponents. 

On the Truth social network Mr Trump wrote “IF YOU GO AFTER ME, I’M COMING AFTER YOU!” on Friday afternoon, just a day after he pleaded not guilty to four charges in the alleged election fraud case.

The charges – which include conspiracy to defraud the US, tampering with a witness and conspiracy against the rights of citizens – stem from the former president’s actions in the wake of the 2020 election, including around the 6 January Capitol riot.

Written By Lisa Murimi 

Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan was has been arrested at his Lahore house after a court found him guilty of corruption and sentenced him to three years in prison.

The former international cricketer has long predicted that he would be jailed in order to prevent him from voting in elections scheduled for before the end of the year.

In Pakistan, anyone convicted of a criminal offence is normally barred from running for office or winning elections.

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan was sentenced to three years in prison following a guilty verdict in a high-profile corruption trial.

The court’s decision has sent shockwaves through the nation, given Khan’s once-illustrious political career and his prominent role in leading the country.

Imran Khan, a former cricket legend turned politician, had risen to power in 2018 on a wave of promises to root out corruption and bring about much-needed reforms.

His charisma and impassioned speeches resonated with the masses, who saw him as a beacon of hope for a better Pakistan.

However, the corruption trial exposed a darker side to Khan’s tenure as Prime Minister.

Allegations of embezzlement and misuse of public funds tarnished his image and raised questions about the authenticity of his commitment to fight corruption.

The trial, which took three years to reach its conclusion, saw the presentation of substantial evidence and testimonies from key witnesses.

Ultimately, the court found Khan guilty of corrupt practices during his time in office, leading to the sentencing that has left many of his supporters disheartened and disillusioned.

As the news of his sentence spreads across the country, there are mixed reactions from the public. Some see this as a necessary step towards upholding the rule of law and holding those in power accountable for their actions.

On the other hand, Khan’s loyal followers view the verdict as politically motivated and an attempt to undermine his legacy.

Despite the verdict, Imran Khan’s political journey doesn’t end here. He is likely to appeal the ruling, and his legal team has vowed to fight for his acquittal.

The coming days and weeks will be critical as the nation watches closely how this high-profile case unfolds.

The sentencing of former Prime Minister Imran Khan to three years in jail marks a significant moment in Pakistan’s political history.

It highlights the importance of maintaining transparency and accountability in governance and serves as a reminder that no one is above the law.

As the legal battle continues, the nation holds its breath, awaiting the final outcome that will undoubtedly shape the future trajectory of Pakistani politics