The Secretary-General of the Office of the Ombudsman, Mario James Seuane, is undertaking a working visit to Luanda from 1 to 7 December, to participate in the Eighth General Assembly of the Association of African Ombudsmen and Mediators (AOMA). The mission aims to strengthen institutional ties, exchange best practices, and explore strategic responses to the common challenges faced by Ombudsman institutions across the continent.
Speaking at the official opening session on 3 December, the Secretary-General highlighted the significance of the gathering, describing it as a “rare and valuable opportunity for peer institutions to connect, share experiences, and collectively develop approaches that ensure the swift protection of citizens’ fundamental rights and freedoms.”
Mr. Seuane also reflected on the fruitful partnership with World Vision, which supported the delegation’s participation. He noted that the collaboration has yielded meaningful advances in the protection of children’s rights, including the promotion of children’s parliaments, dissemination of child-protection legislation, and initiatives aimed at combating early unions and other violations affecting minors.
Drawing on previous field experiences, the Secretary-General recalled his 2024 working visit to Tsokate, Mabalane District, Gaza Province, where community members raised urgent concerns regarding the shortage of health technicians for a population of nearly seven thousand residents. As a result of his intervention, dialogue with the Provincial Health Directorate was initiated to explore solutions.
He further noted significant progress in the electrification of the locality. During the same visit, the Citizenship, Voice and Action (CVA) committee had reported that the lack of electricity was contributing to rising crime and hampering service delivery at the health post. Following the Ombudsman’s engagement, electricity was successfully installed, bringing tangible improvements to the community.
Accompanied in Luanda by Lalita Balate Guambe, National Director for Studies, Planning and Cooperation, and Sergio dos Céus Nelson, National Director for Institutional Relations, Communication and Image, the Secretary-General emphasized the importance of participating in discussions on gender, noting that such platforms provide valuable lessons and models that can be replicated to improve service delivery and accelerate problem resolution for citizens.
“This Eighth Assembly offers an opportunity to see how others drive meaningful change in their contexts, to learn from their approaches, and to forge partnerships that may lead to joint initiatives,” he stated.
The opening ceremony was presided over by Dionísio Manuel da Fonseca, Minister of State and Head of the Civil House of Angola, representing the President of the Republic. In her keynote address, Florbela Araújo, Ombudsman of Angola and President of AOMA, called for enhanced performance among African Ombudsman institutions, noting that the effective protection of citizens’ rights is essential to strengthening democratic citizenship.
Presentations during the first day of the Assembly focused on the historical evolution and functioning of Ombudsman institutions, the importance of institutional transparency, and the need for stronger partnerships to safeguard the independence and effectiveness of justice providers.
