Angola fuel protests leave 22 dead amid nationwide unrest
Protests spread rapidly from Luanda to at least six provinces. Reports of looting and violent confrontations with security forces emerged nationwide. Police and military were heavily deployed, and sporadic gunfire echoed through major cities.
Interior Minister Manuel Homem confirmed that one police officer was among the dead. Security forces arrested over 1,200 people and documented damage to 66 shops and 25 vehicles. The presidency described the unrest as a 'climate of widespread insecurity,' highlighting the crisis's severity.
The diesel price increase comes amid worsening economic conditions. Angola's inflation rate neared 20% in June, while the unemployment rate remains below 30%. According to the Ministry of Finance, fuel subsidies previously consumed approximately 4% of the country's GDP.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has encouraged Angola to reduce subsidies to redirect funds towards health and education. President João Lourenço defended the reforms as necessary for fiscal discipline and alignment with global economic standards.
However, as of 2025, Angola's national minimum wage remains below $75 (R1 350) per month, depending on the sector, with many informal workers earning significantly less. Many citizens feel the reforms have deepened economic hardship.
This frustration has spilt into the streets, where protests reflect mounting public anger over stagnant reforms and deteriorating living standards.
Opposition parties, including the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA) and Bloco Democrático, blamed government policies for triggering the crisis. Both described the situation as a 'severe economic and social crisis.' Human Rights Watch accused police of excessive force during earlier peaceful protests.
Civil society organisations criticised the government for arresting protest organisers and demanding accountability.
The Angolan National Association of Taxi Operators (ANATA) called for a strike protesting fuel price increases and distanced itself from the vandalism and looting. Activists warned of 'social exhaustion,' especially among youth with limited opportunities.
Local media documented grieving families and looted supermarkets in Luanda, capturing the human toll of the unrest.
As tensions continue, security forces patrol Luanda's streets while public transport gradually resumes after a two-day halt. Many shops remain closed, and long queues formed at petrol stations amid ongoing uncertainty.
The ruling People's Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA) party cautioned young people against joining protests during Angola's upcoming 50th independence celebrations. Meanwhile, state-controlled media faced criticism for initially downplaying the demonstrations.
Investors are watching Angola's subsidy reforms closely as a test of the country's fiscal responsibility. Yet, the presidency has not announced immediate relief measures or dialogue initiatives with protest leaders.
Observers suggest Angola's urgent challenge lies in balancing economic reform with maintaining social stability.
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