Fama & Poder/Amsterdam, 29/07/2025
Protests and strikes triggered by the rise in fuel prices in Angola have sparked a wave of unrest, looting, and clashes with authorities in several cities across the country, including the capital, Luanda. Despite the turmoil recorded in recent days, the National Police assured on Tuesday night that “the security situation in Luanda is stable.”
According to the authorities, the number of individuals arrested on suspicion of involvement in acts of vandalism and looting has risen to 1,214. Those detained are accused of participating in attacks on commercial establishments, destruction of public and private property, as well as road blockades and confrontations with security forces.
At the heart of the tension is the increase in fuel prices, announced by the Government earlier this month as part of broader economic adjustment measures. The sudden rise in transport costs and essential goods has directly affected thousands of families already struggling in a difficult socio-economic context. In several provinces, trade unions and civil society organisations have called for strikes and protests in response to the measures.
In Luanda, neighbourhoods such as Cazenga, Viana, Sambizanga and Kilamba have experienced moments of high tension, with images of clashes and looting circulating on social media. Some schools and businesses closed preemptively. However, the Police increased their presence in strategic areas and launched control operations to contain the spread of violence.
Despite the climate of instability, the spokesperson for the National Police stated in a communiqué that “the security situation in Luanda is under control,” calling for calm and a return to normality.
Human rights organisations and voices from the political opposition have publicly criticised the crackdown on the protests and are demanding the release of peaceful demonstrators, stressing the constitutional right to protest and to strike.
So far, the Government has not announced any revisions to the new prices or any potential social support plan for the most vulnerable groups — a factor that may further prolong the social unrest.
The situation remains fluid, and the population waits with growing anticipation for the Government’s next steps.
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