On July 12, the Angaolan was in the capital Luanda with anti -government protests with a drastic rift, resulting in injuries and arrests.
“We recorded several injuries, some serious and medical attention,” Edilson told DW by manual, activists and organizers.
“Apart from the injured, there is an arrest. A guard stays in police custody without a clear reason. He is currently held at the Nova Vida police station and will be handed over to the Public Prosecutor’s office for questioning.”
A social movement against the government
Protests began at Sau Paulo Square, a neighborhood in Luanda. Hundreds of citizens – activists, members of civil society, taxi driver, seller, student, and members of the opposition party – attended a March organized by a social movement against government decree, which raised fuel prices.
The mantras filled the wind, in which the national anthem and the improvised songs “First Angle, Angle, Allways Angolon”. The protesters indicated with slogans like “MPLA all oil piya”, “” We are tied to eating with garbage, “and” the country is good, but MPPLA is not good. ,
The MPLA, or People’s Movement for the Liberation of Angola Party, has operated Angola continuously since independence 50 years ago.
Rising prices push Angolns to the limit
The taxi fare per 300 kwanzas in per trip per trip ($ 0.33, € 0.28), and the urban bus fare increased to 200 kwanzas on 7 July. It increased the price of fuel from 300 to 400 kwanzas through a liter three days ago in the country, which is one of the largest in Africa.
However, for many angles, rising fuel prices are not only important issues. A few weeks ago, students and students had gathered to oppose government policies.
A new youth movement organized protests and attacks, accusing the government of “Movimento Dos Estudantes Angolanos” (Mea) of ignoring the youth concern on the government of President Joao Lounoco. Instead of addressing its needs, the government recently increased the university tuition fees. Schools lack basic requirements in the form of chairs, desks and toilets.
The young protesters warned: “Either the government changes the situation, or it will be uprooted.”
Widespread dissatisfaction with the ruling party
So during the latest protests on fuel prices, many voices against Loarenco and the ruling MPLA party. Protesters marching for Largo da Mainaga near National Assembly were blocked by police in Primiro de Mayo and Largo DA Independent classes.
One of the protesters, Agostinho Kipanda told a DW reporter, “Please help us. We are hungry, the whole country is hungry, but our President is not paying attention to this situation.”
Future opposition and government response
Despite the police suppression, the organizer has announced plans for further protest. Activist Laura Macedo is calling citizens to stay at home as a peaceful resistance.
“Please, let’s try. No one leaves home. Let’s show our dissatisfaction while we prepare for Saturday on the next March,” Macedo said.
In recent years, fuel prices have increased frequently – so under the pressure of the International Monetary Fund – frequent protests. The protest leaders vow to continue continuing as long as the government reverses its decision to increase fuel prices.
The government claims that various protest movements are manipulated by the opposition. The next elections of Angola are scheduled for 2027 and President Laucko is not eligible to search for a third term.
Edited by: Benita van Esen
