Angolans face abuse after drought displacement

by PEDRO AGOSTO
LUANDA, (CAJ News) – ANGOLANS displaced by drought into Namibia are facing serious human rights abuses, including fear of arrest, detention and deportation, Amnesty International has warned, calling for safer and legal migration pathways for people forced across borders by climate disasters.

A new report by the organisation documents the impact of recurring drought in southern Angola and its consequences for women and children who cross into Namibia seeking food, water, work, healthcare and family support.

Between May 2024 and May 2026, Amnesty International interviewed at least 167 people, including displaced Angolans, community leaders, officials, academics, civil society organisations and members of the UN Country Team.

Namibian officials had not responded to requests for comment at the time of publication.

Southern Angola’s Cunene, Huíla and Namibe provinces have been particularly affected by recurring drought, worsened by El Niño.

The resulting loss of crops, livestock and livelihoods has undermined pastoral and farming systems, leaving vulnerable communities with few options.

“The drier it gets, the longer you have to walk, the deeper you have to dig,” a young climate activist told Amnesty International, describing migration as a rational response to collapsing livelihoods rather than simply people fleeing drought.

Yet Namibia’s immigration and protection systems provide few options for those displaced by climate-related disasters.

Angolan passport holders can enter visa-free through official border posts for limited periods, but this does not grant longer-term residence or the right to work.

Many people also lack passports and cross through informal routes.

The resulting irregular status leaves thousands fearful of immigration enforcement and can discourage them from seeking essential services.

Amnesty said undocumented Angolans have faced higher hospital fees than Namibian nationals, while some avoid healthcare altogether.

“We only go when the pain is too much; otherwise, we just lie down and wait,” one woman said.

Amnesty also documented an incident on 4 June 2025 in which about 40 Angolan nationals, including women and children, were rounded up at a community centre in Opuwo and transported more than 100km to the Ruacana border for return to Angola.

The organisation said there was no individual screening or assessment of protection needs, raising concerns about collective expulsion and non-refoulement.

Living conditions for displaced families are also dire, with many sheltering in overcrowded makeshift structures or without adequate shelter, water and sanitation.

Amnesty is urging Namibia to provide registration, documentation and individual protection assessments, while calling on Angola to strengthen drought preparedness, water infrastructure, early-warning systems and social protection.

It also urged wealthier, historically high-emitting countries to provide greater climate finance and international assistance to help Angola and Namibia adapt to worsening climate risks.

“This is not just a humanitarian concern. This is a human rights crisis,” said Amnesty regional director Tigere Chagutah, warning that the international response “cannot wait”.

• CAJ News