Angola gets new president after 38 years, but the old one and his family still cling to power

After 38 years as president of Angola, Jose Eduardo dos Santos left the nation’s highest office Tuesday, but not without making sure he and his family continue to maintain control.

Following an election last month, former defence minister Joao Lourenco was sworn into power, but only after dos Santos passed decrees shoring up his power and leaving doubts on how much room to manoeuvre the new president will have.

There was the special constitutional title dos Santos created for himself: “President of the Republic Emeritus Honorary,” which gives him and close family members immunity from prosecution.

There was the decree he signed freezing appointments of military, security and intelligence chiefs until 2025, ensuring his close circle of securocrat allies retain control. He also promoted 165 senior police commanders.

Not least was the fact he remains head of the ruling Movement for the Popular Liberation (MPLA), retaining the power to control the direction of the government.

Lourenco has said dos Santos will not wield power behind the scenes.