At least four people have been killed and 500 arrested after protests over rising fuel prices escalated into violent unrest in Angola’s capital, Luanda.
What began as a three-day strike by taxi drivers on Monday quickly grew into one of the country’s most serious waves of unrest in years, with thousands taking to the streets to block roads, loot shops, and clash with police. Witnesses reported gunfire in several neighborhoods late Monday.
By Tuesday, sporadic protests and looting continued in Luanda and spread to the central city of Huambo.
“The fuel price issue is just the last straw,” activist Laura Macedo told the BBC. “People are fed up. Hunger is rife, and the poor are becoming miserable.”
The unrest was triggered by the government’s decision to raise diesel prices by more than 33% earlier this month as part of subsidy cuts. The price hikes have increased transport costs, which in turn have driven up the price of food and other essentials.
President João Lourenço has defended the move, noting that diesel in Angola still costs about 40 cents per liter.
The ruling MPLA party has accused protesters of trying to disrupt celebrations ahead of Angola’s 50th independence anniversary, while a major taxi association, Anata, distanced itself from Monday’s violence but pledged to continue its strike.
Police said they are maintaining heavy patrols to “restore public order and peace” in affected areas.
