Violent protests erupted in Angola’s capital, Luanda, resulting in at least four deaths and over 500 arrests.
The unrest was triggered by a government decision to increase diesel prices by one-third, aimed at reducing costly fuel subsidies and stabilizing public finances.
Minibus taxi associations, crucial to daily transportation, responded by hiking fares up to 50 per cent and launching a three-day strike.
The protests turned violent, with reports of looting, vandalism, and clashes between police and demonstrators.
Shops, banks, buses, and private vehicles were vandalised.
Authorities used tear gas, smoke grenades, and fired shots into the air to disperse crowds.
More than 500 people were arrested, and National Police Spokesperson, Mateus Rodrigues confirmed continued “pockets of disorder” across Luanda.
The diesel price hike has significant implications for Angolans, particularly low-income families and informal workers reliant on public transport.
The increase exacerbated inequality and raises concerns about the government’s subsidy reforms.
Angola’s Finance Minister defended the reforms, saying that fuel subsidies accounted for around four per cent of economic output in 2023.
The government plans to continue phasing out subsidies to shore up public finances.
Despite the unrest, the government has not announced any reversal of the price hike, raising concerns about persistent tensions if relief measures are not introduced.
AFP
