The unrest erupted on Monday after minibus taxi associations launched a three-day strike in response to the government’s decision to increase the price of diesel by one-third. The move is part of ongoing efforts to reduce fuel subsidies and strengthen public finances, Reuters reports.
The death toll has risen to 22 in Angola following violent protests triggered by a recent hike in diesel prices.
The unrest erupted on Monday after minibus taxi associations launched a three-day strike in response to the government’s decision to increase the price of diesel by one-third. The move is part of ongoing efforts to reduce fuel subsidies and strengthen public finances, Reuters reports.
The violence, which began in the capital, Luanda, quickly spread to other provinces, resulting in widespread looting, vandalism, and clashes with security forces.
President Joao Lourenco’s cabinet met on Wednesday to review the situation and assess the police response.
A statement from the presidency said, “There had been 22 deaths, 197 people injured and 1,214 arrests.”
It also noted that “sixty-six shops and 25 vehicles had been vandalised, and some supermarkets and warehouses looted.”
Angola has been gradually removing fuel subsidies since 2023. A similar move to increase petrol prices last year also led to deadly demonstrations.
The country’s finance minister previously stated that fuel subsidies accounted for up to 4% of gross domestic product (GDP) in 2023.
Pieter Niesten, portfolio manager for emerging market debt at Neuberger Berman, told Reuters, “Fuel subsidies were estimated to account for 1.8% of GDP this year, contributing to fiscal pressures.”
“Investors and international financial institutions regard subsidy reform as evidence of Angola’s commitment to difficult structural adjustments,” he added.
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