Lifelong immunity from prosecution: that is what outgoing Angolan president José Eduardo dos Santos is guaranteed under a new constitutional position created especially for him. As "president of the republic emeritus honorary" he can now only be judged before a special tribunal. Dos Santos will also remain the head of the ruling People’s Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA). Is it remarkable, then, that for the first time in 38 years, Angola has someone new in the seat of power? João Lourenço — JLo, as he is known in the country — was elected president after the MPLA secured 64.5% of last week’s vote.

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