The Angolan government announced on Wednesday that the death toll from violent protests over a recent fuel price hike had climbed to 22, a sharp increase from the four fatalities reported the previous day.
The unrest began on Monday when minibus taxi unions launched a three-day strike in response to the government’s decision to raise diesel prices by one-third. The hike is part of broader efforts to reduce costly fuel subsidies and stabilize public finances.
What started as localized demonstrations in the capital, Luanda, quickly escalated into widespread looting, vandalism, and clashes with security forces across multiple provinces.
Following a cabinet meeting on Wednesday, President João Lourenço’s office issued a statement reporting 22 deaths, 197 injuries, and 1,214 arrests. The violence resulted in damage to 66 shops and 25 vehicles, with several supermarkets and warehouses looted.
Angola began phasing out fuel subsidies in 2023, a process that has already sparked deadly protests following a petrol price increase last year. The International Monetary Fund and other international partners have supported the subsidy reform agenda.
Fuel subsidies accounted for up to 4% of the nation’s GDP in 2023, according to the finance minister. This year, they are estimated at 1.8%, continuing to strain public finances.
“Investors and international financial institutions see subsidy reform as a key indicator of Angola’s willingness to undertake tough structural reforms,” said Pieter Niesten, portfolio manager for emerging market debt at Neuberger Berman.
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