Ana da Silva Miguel, known as Neth Nahara on TikTok, has seen her prison sentence in Angola increase from six months to two years for criticizing President João Lourenço on social media. She accused the president of “anarchy and disorganization” and blamed him for the country’s lack of schools, housing, and employment.
President Lourenço of Angola was re-elected for a second term back in August 2023, extending his party’s long-standing rule.
The Appeal Court in Luanda stated that her influential reach made her conduct more objectionable while also ordering her to pay $1,200 for damage to the president’s reputation.
With over 230,000 TikTok followers, Ana da Silva Miguel made history as the first person in Angola convicted for content posted on TikTok. Her lawyer noted that there is no possibility of appealing to the Supreme Court for sentences of less than three years.
The state prosecutor, Judge Salomão Raimundo Kulanda described the president as “sovereign”, and said the TikToker was aware of this. He had argued for a harsher punishment, citing concerns that she might continue posting similar content.
The power of social media influencers in shaping political discourse in Africa
Despite being a major oil exporter, Angola faces widespread poverty and has recently seen protests over the rising cost of living. Human Rights Watch accused security forces of unlawful killings, mainly targeting government critics, earlier in the year. President Lourenço dismissed the economic minister in June following protests over fuel subsidy reductions that led to price hikes.
The rise of social media influencers, exemplified by Ana da Silva Miguel (Neth Nahara) in Angola, has transformed political discourse. These influencers, often with large online followings, have the power to shape public opinion and challenge traditional power structures. Social media has democratized political commentary, allowing for greater citizen engagement and criticism of leaders.
Neth Nahara’s case illustrates the impact of social media influencers. Her criticism of President João Lourenço gained widespread attention, highlighting the influence these influencers wield. However, it also highlights the risks they face, as governments may respond with restrictions on freedom of expression.
This case reflects the evolving dynamics of political engagement in the digital age, emphasizing the power that social media influencers have in driving change and influencing public opinion.
Read More: Employee claims TikTok is not equipped to be more than “an app for dance crazes”
Bridging the digital divide in Africa
The digital divide in Africa is a complex issue marked by disparities in internet access and technology across urban and rural areas. While some regions have advanced digitally, many remote areas still lack access, impacting education and job opportunities.
High costs of internet services and devices further widen this gap, particularly for those with lower incomes. Additionally, insufficient digital literacy skills hinder the effective use of available resources.
Addressing the digital divide in Africa requires collaboration between governments, private sectors, and civil society. Key steps include investing in digital infrastructure, promoting digital literacy, and making devices more affordable.
Government policies and regulations should prioritize digital inclusion and encourage investment in underserved areas. Bridging this divide is essential to unlock economic potential and provide equal access to information and opportunities for all Africans.
Ultimately, the case of Neth Nahara underscores the delicate balance between freedom of expression and legal consequences in the digital age. It serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting online speech as a fundamental human right while recognizing the complexities and challenges that arise when online expression intersects with the legal framework.
Read More: TikTok to pay $379 million EU fine over child data privacy violations
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