Anti-government protests in the Angolan capital Luanda on July 12 were met with a harsh crackdown, resulting in injuries and arrests.

"We recorded several injuries, some serious and requiring medical attention," Adilson Manuel, an activist and one of the organizers, told DW.

"In addition to the injured, there were also arrests. One protester remains 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."

The protests began peacefully in Sao Paulo Square, a neighborhood in Luanda. Hundreds of citizens — activists, civil society members, taxi drivers, vendors, students and opposition party members — joined a march organized by a social movement against a government decree that raised fuel prices.

Chants filled the air, including the national anthem and improvised songs such as "First Angolan, second Angolan, always Angolan." Protesters criticized the ruling MPLA party, carrying signs with slogans like "MPLA drank all the oil," "We're tired of eating from the trash," and "The country is good, but the MPLA is no good."

The MPLA, or People's Movement for the Liberation of Angola party, has governed Angola continuously since its independence 50 years ago. 

Rising prices push Angolans to the limit 

Taxi fares increased to 300 kwanzas per trip ($0.33, €0.28), and urban bus fares rose to 200 kwanzas on July 7. This followed a fuel price increase from 300 to 400 kwanzas per liter three days earlier in the country that is one of Africa's largest oil producers.

In recent years, Angola has cut fuel subsidies, also under pressure from the International Monetary Fund , over the burden it was putting on the state budgets. Though Angola has some of the cheapest gasoline prices in the world even after the removal of the subsidies, street vendors and taxi drivers have borne the brunt of the price hikes,  sparking frequent protests. 

However, rising fuel prices are not the only critical issue for many Angolans. Just weeks ago, students mobilized to protest government policies.

Schools lack basic necessities such as chairs, desks and toilets. A new youth movement called the "Movimento dos Estudantes Angolanos" (MEA) organized protests and strikes, accusing President Joao Lourenco's government of ignoring youth concerns. Instead of addressing their needs, the government recently raised university tuition fees.

The young protesters warned: "Either the government changes the situation, or it will be overthrown."

Broader discontent with ruling party

Also, during the latest protests over fuel prices, many voiced frustrations against Lourenco and the ruling MPLA party. Protesters marching to Largo da Maianga, near the National Assembly, were blocked by police at Primeiro de Maio and Largo da Independencia squares.

"Please help us. We are hungry, the whole country is hungry, but our president is not paying attention to this situation," Agostinho Kipanda, one of the protesters, told a DW reporter.

Despite police repression, organizers have announced plans for further protests. Activist Laura Macedo is calling on citizens to stay home as a form of peaceful resistance.

"Please, let's make an effort. Nobody leaves the house. Let's show our discontent while we prepare the next march for Saturday," Macedo said.

The protest leaders have vowed to continue until the government reverses its decision to increase fuel prices.

The government claims that the opposition is manipulating the various protest movements. Angola's next elections are scheduled for 2027, and President Lourenco is not eligible to seek a third term.

Edited by: Benita van Eyssen