Fuel Price Hike Sparks Deadly Protests in Angola

Recent protests in Luanda, Angola, resulted in four deaths and 500 arrests after the government's significant fuel price hike. The unrest involved rioting, vandalism, and obstructing roads. The crackdown follows accusations of excessive force by police during predominantly peaceful demonstrations, reflecting longstanding issues with protest suppression in Angola.

The Angolan capital of Luanda witnessed intense protests following a government decision to increase diesel prices by over 30 percent, leading to significant fare hikes by minibus taxis, the primary transport mode for many residents. As tensions erupted, the demonstrations sadly resulted in four fatalities and more than 500 arrests, as confirmed by the police on Tuesday.

The disturbances, starting on Monday, saw acts of rioting, vandalism, and looting, with numerous cars and buses damaged and roads deliberately blocked. Authorities have attributed these actions to public anger over escalating fuel costs.

The unrest follows earlier protests that attracted criticism from Human Rights Watch over the police's use of excessive force against generally peaceful crowds. In a country dominated by the People's Movement for the Liberation of Angola for half a century since its independence, such stringent responses to dissension are not unprecedented.

(With inputs from agencies.)