Voices of Dissent: The Unfolding Protests in Angola

Tue Sep 30 2025 03:29:23 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Angolan citizens rise against fuel price hikes and inequality, as deadly protests reveal deep economic grievances and social unrest.

In July, protests erupt in Angola's capital, Luanda, against rising fuel prices, resulting in at least 30 deaths. The unrest exposes long-standing issues of poverty, youth unemployment, and social inequality in an oil-rich nation struggling to meet the aspirations of its younger population. With the country marking its 50th independence anniversary, these protests reflect a growing political awareness among Angolans, particularly youth, who feel marginalized by the current regime.

In the Angolan capital of Luanda, many individuals remain hesitant to discuss the massive protests that took place in July, which temporarily shut down parts of the city and sparked unrest across the nation. Initially ignited by taxi drivers opposing a steep rise in fuel prices, the protests escalated into violent clashes over three days, resulting in the deaths of at least 30 individuals and subsequent arrests of thousands.

The streets were filled with demonstrators, burning tires, looted shops, and fierce confrontations with police. This was one of the largest waves of protests seen in Angola since the end of its civil war in 2002, and it underscored persistent frustrations over poverty and inequality.

As Angola prepares to celebrate 50 years of independence from Portugal on November 11, the protests reveal the disparities that exist even within the wealth generated by oil resources. In areas significantly affected by the unrest, residents are wary of speaking out, fearing repercussions in light of the rampant arrests.

A 24-year-old street vendor from Luanda expressed his sentiment, stating, We needed to make that much noise to wake up those in power. With only informal schooling, he sells soft drinks on one of the capital's busiest streets to support his family. His participation in the protests was a statement for the voiceless citizens who deserve a share of the nation’s wealth, which he described as rich for some, but miserable for so many of us.

Youth unemployment is a major catalyst for civil unrest in Angola, where over half of the population is younger than 16. Official statistics indicate a staggering 54% unemployment rate among those aged 15-24, with only three million of 18 million eligible youth securing jobs in the formal sector.

Angolan sociologist Gilson Lázaro commented on the protests, stating the demonstrators were primarily the dispossessed who lack any means to improve their lives. These are individuals with nothing left to lose, emboldening them to take to the streets in defiance of oppressive circumstances.

The protests emerged spontaneously in impoverished neighborhoods lacking basic services and infrastructure, eventually spilling over into the capital’s main thoroughfares. The resulting chaos uncovered social issues often ignored by the political elite and highlighted a growing crisis of legitimacy in governance since the civil war ended over 20 years ago.

President João Lourenço, who succeeded long-time leader José Eduardo dos Santos in 2017, initially sparked hope for change, promising to tackle corruption and create jobs. However, critics assert that he has failed to deliver meaningful reforms and manage the current cost-of-living crisis, with inflation rates hovering around 18%.

With plans for independence celebrations lining up its schedule, many Angolans question the supposed equality echoed in the nation’s slogans. As young people in marginalized areas continue to struggle against severe poverty, calls for attention and change are likely to grow louder, foretelling more protests leading up to the 2027 elections.