Angola: Mass protests over rising prices
Anti-government protests in the Angolan capital Luanda on July 12 were met with a harsh crackdown, resulting in injuries and arrests.
"We recorded several injuries, some serious and requiring medical attention," Adilson Manuel, an activist and one of the organizers, told DW.
"In addition to the injured, there were also arrests. One protester remains in police custody without clear reason. He is currently held at the Nova Vida police station and will be handed over to the Public Prosecutor's Office for questioning." Police used rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse protesters in Luanda on July 12 Image: Manuel Luamba/DW A social movement against the government
The protests began peacefully in Sao Paulo Square, a neighborhood in Luanda. Hundreds of citizens — activists, civil society members, taxi drivers, vendors, students, and opposition party members — joined a march organized by a social movement against the government decree that raised fuel prices.
Chants filled the air, including the national anthem and improvised songs such as "First Angolan, second Angolan, always Angolan." Protesters carried signs with slogans like "MPLA drank all the oil," "We're tired of eating from the trash," and "The country is good, but the MPLA is no good."
The MPLA, or People's Movement for the Liberation of Angola party, has governed Angola continuously since independence 50 years ago. Demonstration in Luanda against the fuel price hike: "The MPLA party drank all the oil!" Image: Manuel Luamba/DW Rising prices push Angolans to the limit
Taxi fares increased to 300 kwanzas per trip ($0.33, €0.28), and urban bus fares rose to 200 kwanzas on July 7. It followed a fuel price increase from 300 to 400 kwanzas per liter three days earlier, in the country that is one of Africa's largest oil producers.
However, for many Angolans, rising fuel prices are not the only critical issue. Just weeks ago, students and pupils mobilized to protest government policies.
A new youth movement called the "Movimento dos Estudantes Angolanos" (MEA) organized protests and strikes, accusing President Joao Lourenco's government of ignoring youth concerns. Instead of addressing their needs, the government recently raised university tuition fees. Schools lack basic necessities such as chairs, desks, and toilets.
The young protesters warned: "Either the government changes the situation, or it will be overthrown." Young Angolans protested poor school conditions in April Image: Borralho Ndomba/DW Broader discontent with ruling party
Also during the latest protests over fuel prices, many voiced frustrations against Lourenco and the ruling MPLA party. Protesters marching to Largo da Maianga, near the National Assembly, were blocked by police at Primeiro de Maio and Largo da Independencia squares.
"Please help us. We are hungry, the whole country is hungry, but our president is not paying attention to this situation," Agostinho Kipanda, one of the protesters, told a DW reporter. The fares for shared taxis and public transport are skyrocketing in Angola Image: Borralho Ndomba/DW Future protests and government response
Despite police repression, organizers have announced plans for further protests. Activist Laura Macedo is calling on citizens to stay home as a form of peaceful resistance.
"Please, let's make an effort. Nobody leaves the house. Let's show our discontent while we prepare the next march for Saturday," Macedo said.
In recent years, fuel prices have been repeatedly increased — also under pressure from the International Monetary Fund — sparking frequent protests. The protest leaders have vow to continue until the government reverses its decision to increase fuel prices.
The government claims that the various protest movements are being manipulated by the opposition. Angola's next elections are scheduled for 2027 and President Lourenco is not eligible to seek a third term.
Angolan President Lourenco speaks with DW about dos Santos
Edited by: Benita van Eyssen
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