The hike in Angola Fuel is expanding deadly demonstrations, 22 killed in violent disorders

At least 22 people died in the midst of violent demonstrations in Angola against an increase in fuel, while disorders continue to spread in the nation rich in oil.

The troubles broke out in the African country on Monday after taxi minibus associations launched a three -day strike against a government decision to increase the price of a third party diesel in an effort to limit expensive subsidies and consolidate public finances, Reuters reported.

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Anti-riot police officers Angola present themselves while the demonstrators meet in Luanda on July 26, 2025 during a demonstration against the high costs of life. (Julio Pacheo Ntela / AFP via Getty Images)

Pillage, vandalism and clashes between the demonstrators and the authorities began in the capital of Luanda before spreading to at least six other provinces.

Government representatives met on Wednesday to obtain an update on the number of deaths and the police response.

In addition to the 22 deaths, the office of President Joao Lourenco said that there were 197 people injured and more than 1,200 arrests. Sixty-six stores and 25 vehicles were vandalized, and some supermarkets and warehouses have looted, said a presidential statement.

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Residents pass in front of a supermarket looted in the Kalemba 2 district of Luanda on July 29 during a general strike in the taxi sector declared for three days to protest against the increase in fuel prices. (AFP via Getty Images)

The army was deployed to restore order while the riots “sparked a climate of generalized insecurity,” said the press release.

Since 2023, Angola has removed fuel grants, a policy encouraged by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). An increase in prices that year also sparked deadly demonstrations.

Residents carry articles while looting broke out in the Kalemba 2 district of Luanda on July 28 during a general strike in the taxi sector declared for three days to protest against the increase in fuel prices. (AFP via Getty Images)

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The subsidies represented up to 4% of the gross domestic product (GDP) last year, according to the country producer of southern Africa oil Minister of Finance.