Escalating Protests in Angola: Fuel Price Hikes Trigger National Unrest

Thu Oct 23 2025 04:07:03 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Rising petrol prices spark protests in Angola, leading to numerous arrests and criticisms of government action amidst public discontent.

Fuel price increases have ignited widespread protests in Angola, resulting in four deaths and over 500 arrests. Taxi drivers initiated a strike due to soaring petrol costs, but public dissatisfaction with the government has turned the demonstrations into a national outcry.

Hundreds of protests have erupted in Angola’s capital, Luanda, following a sharp increase in fuel prices, leading to clashes and significant civil unrest. The protests were sparked by a strike from taxi drivers who protested against a staggering 33% rise in diesel prices, implemented as part of a plan to eliminate fuel subsidies in an oil-rich nation.

Demonstrators have expressed deep-rooted frustration, with roads blocked and reports of looting and violence erupting across the city. Local activist Laura Macedo highlighted that the fuel price hike was merely "the last straw," as the general populace grapples with rampant hunger and economic hardship.

While the government's fuel price rise was aimed at stabilizing the economy, it has exacerbated poverty, making essential goods less affordable for many. With an average monthly wage stuck at approximately 70,000 kwanzas ($75), the populace feels betrayed by broken promises to increase earnings to 100,000 kwanzas.

President João Lourenço has dismissed the public outcry, suggesting that protests are politically motivated attempts to destabilize his administration -- pointing out that diesel prices in Angola remain comparatively low at around 40 US cents per liter.

As protests progressed, the MPLA party issued warnings against participating in the demonstrations, labeling them as acts of vandalism aimed at undermining the country's 50th anniversary celebrations. Meanwhile, state-run media faced backlash for failing to cover the unfolding situation comprehensively.

Despite efforts to quell unrest, including negotiations that led the main taxi organization, Anata, to disassociate from Monday's violence, they continue to urge a prolonged strike to amplify the taxi drivers’ grievances—a reflection of widespread public anger.

By Tuesday afternoon, many businesses remained shuttered, and police increased their presence in the streets, promising to restore order. The situation in Angola remains tense as citizens await the government's response to their pressing economic challenges.