Description: Taxi and minibus drivers protests have turned violent after several clashes with Angola’s police forces were reported in the country’s capital, Luanda. The drivers started their protests two days ago, when the Angolan government decided to increase the fuel prices by 33% and start the reduction of state – sponsored fuel subsidies, which according to the government sources, cost the country 4% of Angola’s economic output during last year. The drivers were supported by other people who have expressed their frustration and disappointment in the governing MPLA (Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola), the social democratic party which has been in power since Angola declared independence from Portugal in 1975. Protests turned violent and were followed by sporadic fires, looting of private and state businesses and general chaos on the streets. The taxi drivers syndicate has isolated themselves from the violent protesters and announced talks with government representatives regarding the fuel prices in the upcoming days. Since the spike in fuel prices, Angolans have experienced much higher cost of living expenses which reportedly were the major reason of such public uproar. The government announced that more than 1 thousand people have been arrested, while four people have been killed including a police officer.
Impact: Angola’s government decision to backtrack socio – economic reforms in the oil – rich country by subverting fuel subsidies and raising the prices has precipitated an abrupt civil crisis which could implode towards large scale political instability. The MPLA, which has monopolized the country’s political landscape since the country declared independence, effectively holds the country hostage outsourcing its natural resources to foreign private business conglomerates while keeping the population economically oppressed. The latest reports indicated that police forces have restored order in the capital while the taxi and minibus drivers have agreed to negotiate the fuel price hikes. Angola joins other African countries such as Kenya and Togo, where recent civil movements have caused a protracted internal crisis and high levels of instability. The situation, despite being under control by law enforcement, is under consistent threat of reigniting towards a widespread systemic crisis, considering MPLA’s decades – long political oppression in the country.