Fuel price hike sparks deadly riots in Angola, 22 confirmed dead

DDM News

(DDM) – The streets of Angola erupted in violent protests on Monday following a steep hike in diesel prices, leaving 22 people dead and nearly 200 others injured.

Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the chaos began after minibus taxi unions launched a three-day strike to oppose the government’s decision to raise the cost of diesel by one-third.

The policy, introduced as part of broader fuel subsidy reforms, quickly ignited public outrage and widespread unrest.

Protests began in the capital city, Luanda, but rapidly spread to several other provinces.

Angry demonstrators clashed with security forces, resulting in destruction, injuries, and dozens of arrests.

Shops were looted, vehicles vandalized, and several supermarkets and warehouses ransacked amid the escalating violence.

Authorities confirmed that 1,214 people had been arrested as of Wednesday.

President João Lourenço’s cabinet convened an emergency meeting to assess the growing crisis and evaluate the conduct of the security forces.

According to a statement from the presidency, 66 shops and 25 vehicles were destroyed during the riots.

The protests highlight mounting public frustration over the government’s gradual removal of fuel subsidies, which began in 2023.

Last year’s increase in petrol prices sparked similar demonstrations, some of which also turned deadly.

The government has justified the reforms as necessary to ease fiscal pressure and improve long-term economic stability.

Angola’s Finance Ministry reported that fuel subsidies represented 4% of the country’s GDP in 2023.

That figure is projected to decline to 1.8% in 2025, following recent austerity measures.

Global investors and international lenders have long urged the country to eliminate costly fuel subsidies, calling it a bold step towards structural reform.

Pieter Niesten, a portfolio manager with Neuberger Berman, told Reuters that Angola’s efforts demonstrate its “commitment to difficult structural adjustments.”

However, for many citizens, the sudden increase in fuel prices has translated into unbearable economic hardship.

Transport costs have surged, food prices have climbed, and frustration has turned into desperation.

Public confidence in the government’s ability to manage the fallout appears to be dwindling.

Despite the violence, government officials remain resolute in their plan to end fuel subsidies in a bid to restore fiscal balance.

It remains to be seen whether the unrest will force a pause in the reforms or prompt harsher crackdowns on future protests.

The international community is watching closely as Angola navigates this volatile and politically sensitive transition.

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