Angola’s decision to eliminate fuel subsidies has triggered violent protests, leading to at least 22 deaths and over 1,200 arrests. The unrest, which began with a three-day strike by minibus taxi associations, has spread across several provinces, creating a climate of widespread insecurity. The government has deployed the army to restore order and has convened officials to assess the death toll and evaluate the police response.
Since 2023, Angola has been removing fuel subsidies, a policy supported by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Last year, fuel subsidies accounted for up to 4% of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP), according to the Southern African oil-producing nation’s finance minister. This policy shift has faced significant resistance from the public, particularly as the price hikes have placed a heavy burden on everyday citizens.
The protests have not only led to loss of life but also extensive property damage, with over 60 shops and 25 vehicles vandalized, and some supermarkets and warehouses looted. President Joao Lourenco’s office reported that 197 people were injured during the riots. The government faces mounting pressure to address the economic challenges and find a balance between fiscal responsibility and public welfare.
Analysts have warned that the ongoing protests could have long-term consequences for the country’s economic stability and social cohesion. The situation highlights the complex challenges of implementing structural economic reforms in a country with deep-seated disparities and limited public trust in government institutions.