Protests in Angol caused four deaths and numerous arrests

• Four people died during the protests in Luanda
• More than 500 arrests were made during clashes between protesters and police
• The protests were triggered by rising fuel prices, which increased by more than 30%

In the capital of Angola, Luanda, protests against rising fuel prices resulted in the deaths of four individuals and more than 500 arrests. The protests began on July 27, 2025, after the government announced a price increase of over 30% on diesel, which impacted taxi fares, the main transportation method for many Angolans.

Demonstrations, which initially included a large number of taxi drivers, quickly escalated into mass unrest. Protesters blocked roads, looted stores, and clashed with police. According to reports, police used force to restore order, although in some areas clashes continued.

Activists stated that the increase in fuel prices was the last straw that provoked public anger. In response, President João Lourenço stated that protesters were raising the issue of fuel prices as a challenge for the government, noting that even after the price increase, the price of fuel in Angola remains among the lowest in the world.

The protests were critically covered by state media, which did not report on the incidents. The government stated that the strike of taxi drivers had been suspended following negotiations, but activist groups continued to call for action, which led to unrest and destabilization in the city.

Tags: Politics/Energy