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Angola in Turmoil: Between Social Crisis, Repression, and Citizen Protest
By: Charilogone Editorial TeamAngola is currently facing unrest following a sudden hike in diesel prices, which rose from 300 to 400 kwanzas per liter. This increase triggered a three-day taxi strike that escalated into violent demonstrations in Luanda and six other provinces. The clashes left 22 people dead, including one police officer, with 197 injured and over 1,200 arrests. Acts of vandalism targeted 66 stores and 25 vehicles, prompting the deployment of the army to restore order amid widespread insecurity.
The government justifies the reduction in subsidies as part of budgetary reforms encouraged by the IMF, aimed at redirecting spending toward health and education. However, many citizens argue that these policies have only worsened hardship, in a context of 20% inflation and nearly 30% unemployment. Civil society groups and opposition parties such as UNITA and Bloco Democrático have condemned the crackdown, while the UN is urging investigations into the deadly clashes and the alleged excessive use of force by security forces.
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