Protests in Angola, ignited by rising fuel prices and a three-day strike by taxi drivers, have led to violence, casualties, and widespread arrests in the capital, Luanda.
**Deadly Protests Erupt in Angola Over Skyrocketing Fuel Prices**
**Deadly Protests Erupt in Angola Over Skyrocketing Fuel Prices**
Authorities confirm multiple fatalities and hundreds of arrests as discontent spirals.
As protests against soaring fuel prices escalate in Angola, police reported that four individuals have lost their lives, and 500 have been arrested amid the chaos. Initially sparked by a three-day strike from taxi drivers opposing a significant increase in diesel prices, the demonstrations have morphed into one of the most intense and expansive periods of unrest the nation has witnessed in years.
On Monday, thousands filled the streets of Luanda, blocking roads, looting shops, destroying vehicles, and engaging in confrontations with law enforcement. Further unrest continued into Tuesday, featuring persistent protests, clashes with police, and additional shop break-ins. Local activist Laura Macedo articulated the frustrations that have fueled this civil unrest, stating, "The fuel price issue is just the last straw that has reignited widespread public discontent… Hunger is rife, and the poor are becoming miserable."
The strike ensued following the government's decision in July to raise diesel prices by more than 33% as part of a broader initiative to eliminate fuel subsidies in Angola, which is rich in oil but struggling with economic inequalities. This price increase subsequently affected transportation costs for staple foods and essential goods, compounding the public's dissatisfaction.
Despite these grievances, President João Lourenço downplayed the protests, asserting that demonstrators are leveraging fuel prices to launch a political attack on his administration. He referenced that even after the increase, diesel prices remain relatively low compared to global standards.
The average salary in Angola stands at only 70,000 kwanzas ($75; £56), and a promised wage increase has failed to materialize. Protests erupted fervently on Monday, with chants directed at the long-standing MPLA party and the government's financial decisions. State-run media faced backlash for ignoring the protests, continuing regular programming instead of reporting on the unrest.
In response to the unrest, the MPLA party cautioned against participation in the demonstrations, dubbing them acts of vandalism aimed at disrupting celebrations for Angola's independence anniversary. Local officials expressed deep concern over the violent outbreaks and described the protests as disturbances linked to the taxi strike. Even as taxi organizations claimed to have called off the strike, unidentified groups continued to rally, bringing additional unrest to the city.
Amid the turmoil, major businesses and public institutions in Luanda remained largely shut down on Tuesday, with many private sector employees opting to stay home following employer advisories. Police have pledged to maintain order and address ongoing disturbances in the capital as the protests unfold further.
On Monday, thousands filled the streets of Luanda, blocking roads, looting shops, destroying vehicles, and engaging in confrontations with law enforcement. Further unrest continued into Tuesday, featuring persistent protests, clashes with police, and additional shop break-ins. Local activist Laura Macedo articulated the frustrations that have fueled this civil unrest, stating, "The fuel price issue is just the last straw that has reignited widespread public discontent… Hunger is rife, and the poor are becoming miserable."
The strike ensued following the government's decision in July to raise diesel prices by more than 33% as part of a broader initiative to eliminate fuel subsidies in Angola, which is rich in oil but struggling with economic inequalities. This price increase subsequently affected transportation costs for staple foods and essential goods, compounding the public's dissatisfaction.
Despite these grievances, President João Lourenço downplayed the protests, asserting that demonstrators are leveraging fuel prices to launch a political attack on his administration. He referenced that even after the increase, diesel prices remain relatively low compared to global standards.
The average salary in Angola stands at only 70,000 kwanzas ($75; £56), and a promised wage increase has failed to materialize. Protests erupted fervently on Monday, with chants directed at the long-standing MPLA party and the government's financial decisions. State-run media faced backlash for ignoring the protests, continuing regular programming instead of reporting on the unrest.
In response to the unrest, the MPLA party cautioned against participation in the demonstrations, dubbing them acts of vandalism aimed at disrupting celebrations for Angola's independence anniversary. Local officials expressed deep concern over the violent outbreaks and described the protests as disturbances linked to the taxi strike. Even as taxi organizations claimed to have called off the strike, unidentified groups continued to rally, bringing additional unrest to the city.
Amid the turmoil, major businesses and public institutions in Luanda remained largely shut down on Tuesday, with many private sector employees opting to stay home following employer advisories. Police have pledged to maintain order and address ongoing disturbances in the capital as the protests unfold further.
