The protests were triggered by a government decision to increase the price of diesel from ₦300 to ₦400 per litre, moving from around 40 US cents to 44 US cents.
Protesters accuse the government of poor resource management while the majority of the population continues to grapple with poverty, hunger, and malnutrition. Many feel Angola’s vast oil wealth is failing to improve the lives of ordinary citizens.
Speaking during the demonstrations, Evaldo Evangelista, National Secretary for Communications and Marketing of the main opposition party UNITA, criticised the government’s removal of fuel subsidies, saying the process has been poorly communicated.
“For years, fuel prices were kept low through government subsidies. Now, these subsidies are being withdrawn without any proper explanation to the people. There is no clarity on how this benefits ordinary Angolans,” Evangelista said. “Prices are rising across the board, including school fees which have gone up by 20%. People are reaching breaking point.”
Despite Angola’s position as one of Africa’s top oil producers, citizens say they are yet to benefit from the country’s natural resources. Evangelista pointed to high levels of corruption and the absence of functioning refineries as key reasons for the economic difficulties.
“We export crude oil and have to import refined fuel, making it more expensive for local consumption,” he said. “Corruption has destroyed public confidence in the government, and funds are not being used to improve people’s lives.”
Currently, Angola exports about 95% of its fuel, with petroleum accounting for around 70% of state revenues. Critics argue that years of single-party dominance have weakened public institutions and created a political system that does not respond to citizens’ needs.
“Since 1992, Angola has claimed to be a democracy, but in reality, we live under a system where one party controls everything,” Evangelista said. “Protests are often met with arrests, and in some cases, people have lost their lives. Citizens are tired of empty promises.”
The protests have faced a heavy-handed response from security forces. Over the weekend, police reportedly used tear gas against protesters, injuring more than ten people, including opposition members of parliament. Evangelista confirmed that some of those injured were recovering at home.
Civil society groups have pledged to continue with demonstrations until their concerns are addressed.
“There’s been no effort by the government to introduce social protection or support for those struggling,” Evangelista added. “People are scavenging for food in rubbish bins. Until there is real change, the protests will not stop.”
--ChannelAfrica--
