Protests erupted in Angola’s capital, Luanda, as well as in Benguela and Namibe, with thousands of demonstrators taking to the streets just one week after clashes resulting from a recent fuel price increase claimed the lives of at least five individuals. In response to the violent protests, President Joao Lourenco dismissed the economic coordination minister on June 8 and appointed the central bank governor as his replacement.
Angola, the second-largest oil producer in Africa, followed in the footsteps of its continental counterpart, Nigeria, by reducing gasoline subsidies earlier this month. This move led to a nearly twofold increase in fuel prices, causing widespread public discontent and triggering the protests.
Despite the subsidy reduction, the gasoline price of around 300 kwanzas ($0.4781) per litre remained below the market rate. According to local media reports, the goal of this action, which ultimately led to the firing of Angolan Economic Coordination Minister Manuel Nunes Junior, was to curtail government spending.
Videos circulating on social and local media depicted large crowds of protesters in Benguela brandishing cardboard placards, while anti-riot police with batons and helmets patrolled the streets. In Luanda, police deployed tear gas to maintain control, and television footage showed a burning barricade emitting smoke. Details regarding potential injuries or arrests have not been provided by the police at this time.
