2025-09-07 Letter to MP Andrew Gwynne - Regarding the Recent Incident Involving Lawyer Zola Ferreira Bambi in Angola

Subject: Regarding the Recent Incident Involving Lawyer Zola Ferreira Bambi in Angola

Dear Andrew Gwynne,

I am writing to express my deep concern about the recent incident involving Angolan human‑rights lawyer Zola Ferreira Bambi, as reported by several international legal organisations. Mr Bambi, a long‑standing defender of activists, journalists, and vulnerable communities, has repeatedly faced intimidation, unlawful detention, and even physical attacks by Angolan security forces. The latest episode—where a bullet was found lodged in the windshield of his vehicle and he was placed under house arrest without judicial oversight—signals a troubling escalation in the repression of legal professionals in Angola. You can read more about his case here: https://protect-lawyers.org/en/case/zola-ferreira-bambi/

These actions not only jeopardise Mr Bambi’s personal safety but also undermine the rule of law, freedom of expression, and the right to a fair defence—principles that the United Kingdom staunchly supports in its foreign policy. As a constituent, I urge you to:

• Raise the matter formally with the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, requesting that they convey our collective concern to the Angolan government and demand an immediate, transparent investigation into the incident.
• Call for the suspension of any diplomatic or development assistance that could be construed as endorsing human‑rights violations, until Angola demonstrates concrete steps to protect lawyers and human‑rights defenders.
• Support a resolution in Parliament urging the UK to work with international bodies such as the United Nations Human Rights Council and the International Bar Association to monitor the situation and hold the Angolan authorities accountable.

By taking these actions, we can help safeguard the independence of the legal profession in Angola and reinforce the UK’s commitment to upholding human‑rights standards worldwide.

Thank you for considering this urgent matter. I look forward to hearing about the steps you intend to take on behalf of your constituents.

Yours sincerely,

Ryan Bestford