On July 28, 2025, Angola was rocked by violent protests following a government decision to raise diesel prices by 33% to reduce fuel subsidies costing 4% of GDP.
Minibus taxi drivers, hit hard by the hike, launched a three-day strike, increasing fares and sparking unrest in Luanda and six other provinces.
The violence led to 22 deaths, including one police officer, 197 injuries, and 1,214 arrests, with 66 shops and 25 vehicles vandalized, as reported by President João Lourenço’s office.
Widespread Looting and Security Crackdown
Protesters in Luanda’s Cazenga, Rocha Pinto, and Prenda districts, as well as Huambo and Benguela, looted supermarkets and set fire to barricades.
The government deployed the army to quell the “widespread insecurity” caused by what they called criminal elements.
Interior Minister Manuel Homem confirmed the casualties, while Deputy Commissioner Mateus Rodrigues noted persistent “pockets of disorder” despite restored calm.
By July 29, public transport resumed, but many shops stayed shuttered under heavy security.
Economic Strain and Opposition Criticism
Angola’s economic challenges, including 20% inflation and 30% unemployment, fueled public anger. The opposition, led by UNITA and Bloco Democratico, criticized the government’s policies as “disconnected from reality,” pointing to a deepening social and economic crisis.
The removal of fuel subsidies, encouraged by the IMF since 2023, follows a pattern of protests, including deadly clashes in 2021, highlighting tensions in the oil-rich nation ruled by the MPLA since 1975.
Human Rights Concerns and Ongoing Tensions
Human Rights Watch condemned the police’s use of tear gas and rubber bullets in earlier July protests, raising concerns about excessive force.
The New Alliance of Taxi Drivers Association, while denouncing the violence, vowed to continue striking, reflecting widespread frustration.
Angola’s reliance on costly diesel imports, due to limited refinery capacity, underscores the economic pressures driving the unrest.
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