In an escalation of civil unrest, Angola’s capital, Luanda, has witnessed significant protests following a rise in fuel prices, resulting in tragic outcomes and mass arrests.
Angola Faces Unrest as Fuel Price Protests Turn Deadly
Angola Faces Unrest as Fuel Price Protests Turn Deadly
Erupting protests in Angola reveal deep-seated frustrations over economic hardships and government actions.
The situation in Angola's capital intensified on Monday, leading to four fatalities and around 500 arrests amidst large-scale protests and violent clashes. Initially sparked by a three-day strike by taxi drivers against sky-high petrol prices—specifically a 33% increase in diesel—the unrest has escalated into a widespread movement, reflecting the public's long-standing grievances against economic hardships. Thousands took to the streets to protest, disrupting daily life, blocking roads, looting shops, and clashing with police as tensions boiled over.
Local activist Laura Macedo emphasized that the rising fuel prices were simply the tipping point in a broader context of despair among Angolans. "Hunger is rife, and the poor are becoming miserable," she remarked, highlighting the adverse impact of recent government measures. The price hike, introduced in July as part of a plan to eliminate fuel subsidies, not only affects transportation costs for taxi customers but also drives up the price of basic food items as supply chains become more expensive.
In contrast, President João Lourenço has downplayed the severity of the situation, asserting that Angola still offers some of the lowest fuel prices globally. He suggested that the protests serve as a pretext for those dissatisfied with the government rather than genuine economic grievances.
Despite promises to raise the average monthly wage from 70,000 kwanzas ($75) to 100,000 kwanzas, many Angolans still struggle as frustrations mount. Demonstrators have voiced their anger not just against fuel costs, but also against decades of governance by the MPLA party.
In the wake of the unrest, state-run media faced scrutiny for not covering the protests and for continuing regular programming. Local authorities condemned the protests, referring to them as “vandalism,” while taxi associations expressed their intention to continue the strike in solidarity with affected drivers. Major businesses were largely shut, and police vowed to restore order amid ongoing clashes.
With civil servants tentatively returning to work, the government continues to face public dismay over rising living costs, making it evident that the unrest in Angola is rooted in a broader economic discontent reflecting a population ready for change.
Local activist Laura Macedo emphasized that the rising fuel prices were simply the tipping point in a broader context of despair among Angolans. "Hunger is rife, and the poor are becoming miserable," she remarked, highlighting the adverse impact of recent government measures. The price hike, introduced in July as part of a plan to eliminate fuel subsidies, not only affects transportation costs for taxi customers but also drives up the price of basic food items as supply chains become more expensive.
In contrast, President João Lourenço has downplayed the severity of the situation, asserting that Angola still offers some of the lowest fuel prices globally. He suggested that the protests serve as a pretext for those dissatisfied with the government rather than genuine economic grievances.
Despite promises to raise the average monthly wage from 70,000 kwanzas ($75) to 100,000 kwanzas, many Angolans still struggle as frustrations mount. Demonstrators have voiced their anger not just against fuel costs, but also against decades of governance by the MPLA party.
In the wake of the unrest, state-run media faced scrutiny for not covering the protests and for continuing regular programming. Local authorities condemned the protests, referring to them as “vandalism,” while taxi associations expressed their intention to continue the strike in solidarity with affected drivers. Major businesses were largely shut, and police vowed to restore order amid ongoing clashes.
With civil servants tentatively returning to work, the government continues to face public dismay over rising living costs, making it evident that the unrest in Angola is rooted in a broader economic discontent reflecting a population ready for change.
