Violent protests in Luanda, Angola, over a 33% diesel price hike led to dozens of arrests and at least three deaths, including a police officer.
Andrew Juma, DigitalWorldwideNews.com, Luanda
July 29, 2025
On July 28, 2025, Luanda, Angola’s capital, was rocked by violent protests following a government decision to raise diesel prices by one-third, part of a broader effort to phase out fuel subsidies. What began as a three-day minibus taxi drivers’ strike escalated into widespread demonstrations, with thousands blocking roads, looting shops, and clashing with police. At least three people, including a police officer, were killed, and over 100 were arrested, according to local reports. Below, we address key questions about this crisis and providing clarity from Luanda’s streets.
What Sparked the Angola Fuel Protests?
The protests erupted after the government increased diesel prices by 33% in early July 2025, raising the cost per liter to around 400 kwanzas (40 US cents). This move, part of a long-term plan to eliminate fuel subsidies costing 4% of Angola’s GDP, led minibus taxi associations to hike fares by up to 50%, triggering a strike starting July 28. The price hike also inflated staple food costs, as transport suppliers passed on expenses. With the average monthly wage at 70,000 kwanzas ($75), and a promised increase to 100,000 kwanzas unfulfilled, public frustration boiled over.
How Did the Protests Unfold in Luanda?
On Monday, thousands of protesters, including taxi drivers, vendors, students, and activists, gathered across Luanda, starting at São Paulo Market and moving toward Largo da Maianga. Demonstrators chanted against the fuel hike and nearly 50 years of MPLA rule, blocking roads with burning tires and makeshift barricades. Violence erupted as police used tear gas, smoke grenades, and fired shots into the air, with Novo Jornal reporting three deaths, including a police officer, though official confirmation is pending. Shops in Kalemba 2 were looted, and 20 buses were destroyed. Social media videos showed mounted police fleeing stone-throwing crowds, highlighting the chaos.
Why Are Angolans So Frustrated?
“Hunger is rife, and the poor are becoming miserable,” activist Laura Macedo told reporters in Luanda, echoing widespread sentiment. Angola, a top oil exporter, grapples with stark inequality, with most citizens living in poverty. Taxi fares rising to 300 kwanzas ($0.33) and urban bus fares to 200 kwanzas have strained low-income households. Protesters also criticized the MPLA’s governance since independence in 1975, accusing it of neglecting social welfare. State-run media’s failure to cover the protests, focusing instead on Angola’s 50th independence anniversary, fueled online backlash. The BBC accurately captured this discontent but misattributed the protests as solely spontaneous; organizers, including Adilson Manuel, coordinated earlier marches, indicating planned action.
How Did Police Respond to the Protests?
Police arrested over 100 people for vandalism and looting, condemning the protests as “acts of urban terror.” Unlike the BBC’s suggestion that the taxi strike was called off after negotiations, organizers clarified that “unidentified individuals” continued the strike, leading to violence. Police used tear gas and fired shots to disperse crowds near Largo da Independência, with reports of excessive force. Human Rights Watch noted similar tactics in prior protests, including a July 12 demonstration where tear gas canisters injured protesters. UNITA condemned the police for violating constitutional rights, alleging arbitrary arrests.
What Is the Historical Context of Angola’s Protests?
Angola’s protests reflect recurring tensions over fuel subsidy cuts, often driven by IMF pressure. A 2023 petrol price hike sparked deadly protests, with over 70 arrests in Benguela. Amnesty International documented police violence between 2020 and 2023, including 17 protest-related deaths, such as Inocêncio de Matos’s killing in 2020. The current unrest, linked to economic reforms under President João Lourenço, highlights ongoing poverty and unemployment issues.
What Are the Broader Implications?
The protests threaten Angola’s stability ahead of its 50th independence anniversary. The MPLA’s warning against youth participation, framing protests as vandalism, risks further alienation. UNITA and Human Rights Watch have called for investigations into police conduct. Economic reforms, while fiscally motivated, disproportionately burden the poor, with street vendors like Custodia dos Santos facing harassment.
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