28/07/2025
π° BREAKING REPORT: Protests Erupt in Angola Over Soaring Living Costs
Date: July 28, 2025
Location: Luanda, Angola
Byline: Lukulu business promoters respondent
LUANDA β Major protests broke out today in Angolaβs capital as thousands of citizens took to the streets to express outrage over worsening economic conditions, skyrocketing fuel prices, and rising public transport costs.
The demonstration, which began early in the morning at SΓ£o Paulo Square, was organized by civil society groups, youth activists, and student movements under the banner of "Movimento Popular pela JustiΓ§a Social". The crowd demanded immediate government intervention to reduce fuel costs and reverse the recent subsidy cuts that have triggered inflation and made transportation unaffordable for the working poor.
Protesters carried placards reading "Chega de sofrimento!" (Enough suffering!) and "Queremos dignidade, nΓ£o violΓͺncia!" (We want dignity, not violence!). Demonstrators attempted to march toward Largo 1ΒΊ de Maio, near the National Assembly, but were blocked by a large police presence.
Despite being a peaceful, officially authorized protest, Angolan security forces, including the Rapid Intervention Police and Criminal Investigation Service, moved in to disperse the crowd with tear gas, water cannons, and rubber bullets. Eyewitnesses confirmed that several protestors were beaten with batons, and at least nine were hospitalized, with two reported in critical condition. Seventeen people were arrested, among them journalists and student leaders.
βWe just want to be heard. We are not violent. We are hungry and tired,β said Ana Paula, a 22-year-old university student who participated in the protest. βThe government cannot fix the economy by punishing the poor.β
Rights Groups React
International human rights organizations condemned the governmentβs actions.