More than 1,000 individuals have been detained amid the violent protests over fuel prices in Angola

Five people, including a police officer, have tragically lost their lives, and over 1,200 individuals have been arrested amid protests in Luanda, Angola’s capital. What started as a three-day taxi drivers' strike against soaring petrol prices has spiraled into one of the most significant waves of unrest the country has experienced in years. 

Courtesy : EPA

On Monday, thousands took to the streets, leading to blocked roads, shop looting, destroyed cars, and violent clashes with police. Reports of attempted demonstrations and looting have also emerged from the provinces of Icolo e Bengo and Huambo, though authorities claim these have now been contained. 

Protests persisted in Luanda on Tuesday, marked by continued skirmishes with law enforcement and further shop looting. The situation has been tense, with accounts of gunfire ringing out in parts of the city. Local activist Laura Macedo expressed the sentiments of many, stating, “The fuel price issue is just the last straw that has reignited widespread public discontent... People are fed up. Hunger is rife, and the poor are becoming miserable.” 

The taxi operators initiated the strike after the government announced a more than 33% increase in diesel prices, implemented in early July as part of efforts to eliminate fuel subsidies in this oil-rich nation. This spike not only raised fares for urban residents relying on taxis but has also led to soaring costs of staple foods and other essentials, as transport suppliers pass on their increased expenses. 

However, President João Lourenço has downplayed these concerns, suggesting that protesters are merely using petrol prices as an excuse to challenge the government. In a recent interview with CNN Portugal, he pointed out that even after the increase, diesel prices in Angola remain around 40 US cents per litre, which is among the lowest in the world.

The average monthly salary in Angola is a mere 70,000 kwanzas (approximately $75 or £56), and despite assurances from the presidency to boost this figure to 100,000 kwanzas, that promise has yet to be fulfilled. On Monday, frustrations culminated in protests across various parts of Luanda, where demonstrators voiced their discontent over rising fuel prices, nearly fifty years of MPLA party rule, and the overall state of the nation. State-run media faced significant backlash on social platforms for ignoring the protests and sticking to regular programming.

By Monday evening, the MPLA cautioned the youth against participating in the protests, labeling them as "acts of vandalism that aim to undermine and impair the joyful celebration" of Angola's 50th independence anniversary. Local authorities in Luanda expressed "deep concern" regarding the situation, referring to it as "disturbances and acts of vandalism linked to the forced suspension of taxi services." While a previously announced taxi strike had been called off after negotiations, the statement claimed that "groups of unidentified individuals, lacking legitimate representation from the taxi sector, have reignited calls for strike actions accompanied by intimidation and violence."

A major taxi association, Anata, condemned the violence witnessed on Monday but pledged to uphold a three-day strike, asserting that "the voice of the taxi drivers embodies the outcry of the Angolan people." As of Wednesday afternoon, numerous shops, banks, and other businesses remained shuttered. Some civil servants returned to work, yet many private sector employees stayed home on their employers' advice. The police have indicated they are actively patrolling the streets and will continue to "intervene in any ongoing disturbances" to restore public order and safety.