Four Dead, Over 500 Arrested in Angola Fuel Price Protests

At least four people were killed and over 500 arrested during violent protests in Angola after the government raised diesel prices by one-third. The unrest, sparked by a minibus taxi strike and fare hikes, involved looting, vandalism, and clashes with police. The protests continued in parts of Luanda as anger grew over the gradual removal of fuel subsidies.

Violent protests have broken out across Angola following the government’s recent decision to hike fuel prices, with police confirming that at least four people have been killed and over 500 others arrested. The demonstrations, which have turned increasingly chaotic and destructive, continued into Tuesday in several parts of the capital city, Luanda, where authorities reported ongoing unrest.

The protests were sparked by the government's move earlier in July to raise the price of diesel by approximately one-third, a decision aimed at reducing the financial pressure caused by long-standing fuel subsidies. These subsidies have been a heavy burden on Angola's public finances, and the government has argued that scaling them back is necessary to stabilize the economy and reallocate funds to other essential sectors. However, for many citizens, the subsidy cuts have translated into a sharp rise in daily living costs.

The immediate backlash was led by minibus taxi associations, whose members are among the most directly affected by the increase in fuel costs. In response, these transport operators raised their fares by as much as 50% and declared a three-day strike beginning Monday. That same day, widespread violence erupted. Protesters clashed with law enforcement, while reports of looting and vandalism swept through multiple neighborhoods. Shops, banks, public buses, and private vehicles were attacked or destroyed, creating scenes of chaos in several areas of Luanda.

Speaking at a press conference, national police spokesperson Mateus Rodrigues confirmed the scale of the violence and the law enforcement response. He noted that while many of those arrested had participated in criminal acts under the cover of protest, there were still isolated "pockets of disorder" being dealt with across the capital. Security forces have been deployed in large numbers to restore calm and protect critical infrastructure from further damage.

Angola, one of Africa’s largest oil producers, has faced growing public frustration over economic inequality and the high cost of living, despite its substantial oil revenues. Since 2023, the government has been gradually rolling back fuel subsidies as part of a broader economic reform plan. However, each step in this direction has been met with resistance. In fact, a similar wave of protests erupted last year when petrol prices were increased, and those too ended in bloodshed.

The current unrest reflects deep-rooted grievances among Angolans who feel excluded from the country’s oil wealth and burdened by policies that appear to favor economic reform over immediate social needs. As the government moves forward with its fiscal adjustment strategy, it faces the difficult challenge of balancing economic sustainability with the urgent demands of its citizens, many of whom are struggling to make ends meet.