Most Angolans live in poverty despite huge oil wealth
Some 60% of Angola's population live in poverty seven years after the end of the country’s 27-year civil war, and the rebirth of the nation as one of Africa's top oil producers. Now, President Jose Eduardo dos Santos is worried that rampant corruption is tarnishing the country’s image. In a speech to the ruling MPLA party's national congress, he asked officials to tackle the embezzlement of assets from the public and the party. That will be hard to do as the same people he spoke to are largely responsible for the graft. The MPLA has been in power for the past 34 years, but the majority of Angola’s people are hungry and lack even the basics of water supply, health-care and habitable homes. The MPLA has been rebuilding Angola on the back of record oil exports and multibillion-dollar loans from China, but much of that cash goes into the pockets of officials, with Angola ranking as one of the world's 18 most corrupt nations, according to Transparency International. Read more: Reuters, World Socialist Web Site
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