Four killed, hundreds arrested during Angola demonstrations against the increase in fuel prices | Protests

According to police, four people were killed and 500 other people arrested during demonstrations in the capital, Luanda.

At least four people were killed and hundreds were arrested during a demonstration against an increase in fuel prices in the capital of Angola, police said.

The demonstrations broke out on Monday in response to the government’s decision earlier this month to increase the price of diesel by 30%, which led to large increases in prices by minibus taxis, a significant method of transport for many Angolan.

Shops could be heard in the Cazenga region of the center of Luanda, where people were seen to take food and other articles from the stores.

Social media images have shown clashes in the suburbs of Rocha Pinto near the airport, as well as in the Prenda region.

Police said in a statement on Tuesday that hundreds of arrests were processed in relation to riots, vandalism and looting of stores. The cars and buses were damaged and the roads were blocked.

Transport in Luanda remained suspended and the stores closed on Tuesday.

The government’s decision to increase the prices of highly subsidized fuel from 300 to 400 kwanzas ($ 0.33 to $ 0.44) per liter caused Angola, one of the best oil producers in Africa, where many people live in poverty.

The associations of taxi minibus, which in turn increased their prices that could reach 50%, launched a three -day strike to protest against the move from Monday.

“We are tired … They have to announce something to make things change … so that we live in better conditions,” said a protester at Angola TV Nzinga.

“Why are you making us suffer like that? How are we going to feed our children? The prices must drop,” said a woman, addressing President Joao Lourenco.

Deputy Commissioner Mateus Rodrigues told journalists in a briefing on Monday’s violence that police “currently report four deaths”. He did not specify how they occurred.

The police arrested 400 people overnight for suspicion of involvement in troubles after arresting 100 on Monday, said Rodrigues. About 45 stores were vandalized, while 25 private vehicles and 20 public buses have been damaged, he added. Banks were also targeted.

Demonstrations have been held since the announcement of the rise in diesel prices on July 1.

Human Rights Watch said that the police used excessive strength during a July 12 demonstration, including tear gas shot and rubber bullets.

Angola has gradually reduced fuel subsidies since 2023, when manifestations concerning an increase in petrol prices have also become fatal.