Luanda Papers | ULTIMATE — 2024 |

Angola, a country located in southern Africa, gained independence from Portugal in 1975. Since then, the country has been ruled by the People’s Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA), a socialist party that has maintained a tight grip on power. José Eduardo dos Santos, who served as president from 1979 to 2017, was one of the longest-serving heads of state in Africa. During his rule, Angola experienced rapid economic growth, driven primarily by its vast oil reserves. However, this growth was accompanied by widespread corruption, poverty, and inequality.

At the center of the scandal was dos Santos’ daughter, Isabel dos Santos, who is one of Africa’s richest women. The documents showed that she had amassed a vast fortune through her control of various Angolan companies, including the state-owned oil company, Sonangol. The leak also implicated several international companies, including the Swiss-based commodity trading firm, Trafigura, and the Portuguese construction company, Odebrecht. luanda papers

The Luanda Papers had far-reaching consequences, both in Angola and internationally. In Angola, the scandal led to widespread protests and calls for dos Santos’ resignation. In 2017, dos Santos stepped down as president, and his successor, João Lourenço, launched a series of investigations into corruption and launched efforts to recover stolen assets. Angola, a country located in southern Africa, gained