At least 22 individuals have lost their lives and more than 1,200 have been apprehended amid violent protests in Angola triggered by the government’s recent fuel price increase, as reported by the president’s office on Wednesday.
The unrest, which started on Monday, has since spread from the capital city of Luanda to at least six other provinces across this southern African nation. In addition to the fatalities, officials reported that 197 people sustained injuries during the clashes.
Government’s decision leads to widespread unrest
Earlier this month, the Angolan government announced the removal of subsidies on diesel, resulting in a price hike exceeding 30%. This decision prompted minibus taxi operators, a vital mode of transport for many Angolans, to raise their fares by as much as 50%, exacerbating the public’s frustration.
In response to the escalating tensions, the president’s office indicated that numerous shops were looted and vehicles vandalized amid the rioting that ensued. The military was subsequently deployed to restore order, as the unrest created a “climate of widespread insecurity,” according to an official statement. However, the circumstances surrounding the reported deaths were not clarified.
Human rights concerns amid protests
Protests against rising fuel costs initially flared up two weeks prior, during which Human Rights Watch accused local police of employing excessive force against demonstrators who were largely peaceful. The rights organization reported instances of police using tear gas and rubber bullets and physically assaulting protesters.
The Angolan government has faced criticism for its heavy-handed approach to dissent, particularly in a country where the People’s Movement for the Liberation of Angola has maintained power since achieving independence from Portugal in 1975. Despite being one of Africa’s largest oil producers, Angola lacks sufficient refining capacity to meet its domestic fuel needs, leading to reliance on expensive imports of diesel and gasoline.
“The protests against the price hikes in Angola first erupted two weeks ago.”