Alert+

Civil Unrest in Angola

Widespread Protests Erupt in Luanda as Fuel Price Hike Sparks Unrest

Intelligence cut off: 17:00 BST 29 JULY 2025

Unrest erupted in Luanda, Angola’s capital, on 28 July, as a three-day taxi driver strike against the government’s decision to raise the price of diesel by approximately 33 per cent began. The taxi driver strike quickly evolved into broader anti-government protests as thousands of people joined demonstrations. Protests have resulted in clashes, roadblocks, looted shops, and destroyed cars, and have continued with intensity into 29 July. Protesters have chanted against fuel price increases and the nearly five-decade rule by the ruling party.

Security forces have reacted forcefully with live ammunition, tear gas, and rubber bullets, killing at least four people in Luanda’s Cazenga area and arresting over 500 across the capital. State-run media has reportedly avoided covering the protests. Despite the clashes and government appeals for an end to the strike, the taxi drivers’ association in Luanda has condemned the violence and casualties but has committed to continuing the strike until at least the 30 July.

According to local media, all access to the Palácio da Cidade Alta is restricted, and the Calemba 2 area of Camama municipality, Campos Universitário Urban District, and 11 de Novembro Street are blocked with barricades. Access to the local hospital on 11 de Novembro Street has been obstructed.

INTELLIGENCE ANALYSIS

Unrest in Angola Deepens as Government Faces Mounting Public Discontent

While the price increase was proposed on 1 July, which has triggered weekly protests, the taxi strike almost certainly acted as a catalyst for Angolan citizens to vent their broader frustrations against the government. The ruling party, People’s Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA), has been in power since 1975 and has been facing increasing opposition. Angola’s economy is heavily reliant on oil, which accounts for approximately 90 per cent of export revenues. Global price fluctuations in recent years have triggered high inflation, rising food and transport costs in a country where the average monthly wage is just USD 75.

Angola has a large youth population who are experiencing widespread unemployment and are driving the current wave of unrest. Approximately 65 per cent of Angola’s population is under the age of 24, and only 2 per cent of its population is aged over 65. Social media almost certainly constitutes a tool for organising demonstrations and could be blocked by the government in an attempt to quell the unrest.

Civil unrest will highly likely continue on 30 July, which will be the third and final day of the originally planned taxi driver strike. The forceful reaction from security forces almost certainly aims to deter further protests. However, this could have the adverse effect of further inflaming demonstrations, particularly if footage of violence perpetrated by security forces is widely shared on social media.

Travel Risk Advice for Angola

Avoid all non-essential travel to Angola, particularly Luanda.
Closely monitor announcements from local authorities and media sources for any developments that may severely impact the local security environment.
Avoid all areas of unrest due to incidental risks to bystanders. If caught in the unrest, travellers should move with the crowd until they find the nearest opportunity to escape. If in a vehicle, look to turn down the nearest road. If driving away is not an option, lock the vehicle and escape on foot.
Always follow all instructions and orders from security forces. Where possible, avoid areas of active unrest and remain in secure accommodation.
Prolonged civil unrest can disrupt travel, especially if protesters begin targeting airports. Travellers should have contingency measures in place, including evacuation plans and reliable access to food, water and medication.
Have emergency contact numbers saved on your phone. These should include the local authorities, medical facilities, and any consular support. Ensure that mobile phones are charged in case of any loss of electricity.
If caught in the vicinity of a security incident, seek shelter immediately and leave the area if safe to do so. Continue to adhere to all instructions issued by authorities and obey any security cordons in place.
The overall security situation in Angola, including Luanda, is likely to remain severe in the coming days.
Closely monitor trusted local news reports and government alerts.