Violent protests have erupted across Angola following a sharp increase in fuel prices, leaving at least 22 people dead and nearly 200 injured, according to government sources.
The unrest began on Monday after minibus taxi unions launched a three-day strike to protest the government’s decision to cut diesel subsidies and raise prices by one-third.
The protests quickly escalated into widespread violence, looting, and clashes with security forces, spreading from the capital, Luanda, to other provinces.
In a statement on Wednesday, President João Lourenço’s office confirmed the fatalities, 197 injuries, and the arrest of over 1,200 people.
Authorities also reported damage to 66 shops, 25 vehicles, and the looting of several supermarkets and warehouses.
The Angolan government, under pressure to reduce public spending, said the subsidy cuts are part of broader fiscal reforms backed by the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Fuel subsidies accounted for around 4% of the country’s GDP last year but are expected to drop to 1.8% in 2025.
Analysts say the move signals Angola’s commitment to economic reforms, but the unrest highlights the social costs of austerity in a country where millions depend on subsidized fuel for transport and daily living.
“This is a real test of Angola’s ability to manage reforms without igniting deeper instability,” said Pieter Niesten, a debt strategist at Neuberger Berman.
As tensions remain high, President Lourenço’s government is under growing pressure to maintain public order while avoiding further escalation.
