Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI
Luanda (Agenzia Fides) – “The situation has returned to calm, but there is great dismay at the lives lost in recent days,” a Church source in Luanda, the capital of Angola, told Fides, following the violent protests on July 28 and 29 against rising fuel prices, which were marred by widespread looting in supermarkets, banks, and other businesses. According to authorities, at least 22 people died in various clashes with security forces, including a police officer. Around 200 people were injured, while more than 1,200 were arrested accused of participating in the riots.The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Thameen al-Kheetan, has called for an independent investigation into the police actions. “Unfortunately, the legitimate demands of the taxi and truck drivers’ unions have been overshadowed by violence,” our source says. The three-day strike had been announced by the organizers some time ago. Violent individuals joined the demonstrations, causing riots and taking advantage of the chaos to loot stores.Rising fuel prices have a serious negative impact on Angolans, especially the poorest, the source continues. Rising transportation and electricity prices, produced by diesel generators, lead to a general increase in the price of other goods.”On July 1, the government announced a price increase for heavily subsidized fuel from 300 to 400 kwanzas – from €0.28 to €0.38 – per liter. This represents a paradox for the largest crude oil exporter in sub-Saharan Africa, along with Nigeria. Insufficient domestic refining capacity forces Angola to import refined petroleum products at market prices. Added to this is the international debt service and the resulting pressure (recommendations) from the International Monetary Fund to reduce government subsidies for fuel purchases. The government’s decision sparked outrage in a country where more than a third of the population lives on less than $2.15 a day. Inflation is 27.5%, unemployment is 14.5%, but eight out of ten employed people work in the low-wage informal sector.In mid-July, the Episcopal Conference of Angola and São Tomé (CEAST) published a Pastoral Message on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Angola’s independence (celebrated on November 11), which takes stock of the country’s half-century of existence. Speaking of lights and shadows, CEAST highlights among them “the scandalous logic of opportunism, self-centeredness, and discrimination, the cause of numerous social problems, including the high and painful cost of living for the vast majority of citizens, which results in the discrediting of leaders and institutions and the seed of an increasingly evident spirit of rebellion.”These words proved prophetic in the face of the clashes that erupted a few weeks later. The bishops also lamented “the many forms of restriction on freedom of expression” and echoed the aspirations of the Angolan people, stating that they “desire well-being commensurate with the resources and potential of their country.” Only by building a better Angola can we properly honor the sacrifice of so many people from whom we inherited the legacy of our independence.” (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides, 1/8/2025)
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