At least four people have been killed and more than 500 arrested as violent protests rocked the Angolan capital and surrounding areas following a sharp hike in diesel prices.
The unrest began on Monday and continued into Tuesday, with riot police struggling to quell widespread demonstrations sparked by the government’s decision to increase diesel prices by one-third.
The move, part of broader efforts to scale back costly fuel subsidies, has ignited public fury—particularly among minibus taxi drivers who play a crucial role in the nation’s public transport system.
Angry over the fuel hike, taxi associations launched a three-day strike, raising fares by up to 50%. What began as a peaceful protest quickly spiraled into chaos, as clashes erupted between demonstrators and security forces. The violence was marked by looting, arson, and vandalism.
“Shops, banks, buses, and private vehicles were vandalized,” national police spokesperson Mateus Rodrigues said in a press briefing. He confirmed more than 500 arrests and admitted there were still “pockets of disorder” across Luanda.
This is not the first time Angola has seen unrest over fuel reforms. A similar episode in 2023 followed a petrol price increase, which also resulted in casualties. As one of Africa’s largest oil producers, Angola has long subsidized fuel to cushion the cost of living, but mounting economic pressures have forced the government to reduce those subsidies.
Authorities argue that the reforms are vital to ensure long-term fiscal stability. However, the timing and scale of the recent diesel hike have triggered a strong backlash from a population already grappling with high inflation and widespread unemployment.
Despite the mounting unrest, the government has made no move to reverse the price hike, fueling fears that further demonstrations could erupt if mitigating measures are not introduced.
Human rights groups have called for restraint and dialogue, warning that a heavy-handed response could deepen the crisis.
