Angolan President Praises Security Forces Amid Controversy Over Unrest Deaths

Angolan President João Lourenço has publicly commended security forces for swiftly suppressing violent protests that resulted in 30 deaths over two days, though rights groups have condemned the authorities for killing “defenseless people.” The unrest erupted on Monday and Tuesday in Luanda, triggered by a strike against a fuel price hike, and quickly devolved into some of the worst violence in recent years in the oil-rich nation.

During the protests, dozens of shops and warehouses in Luanda were looted, and vehicles were attacked as chaos spread across several provinces. The police confirmed that by late Thursday, 30 people had died including a police officer and more than 270 others were injured, among them 10 members of the security forces.

While authorities have not clarified the exact causes of the fatalities, civil society groups and opposition parties accuse security forces of using excessive force, citing numerous reports of violence against protesters. Human rights organizations have raised concerns about the conduct of security personnel during the crackdown.

In his first public statement on the unrest, President Lourenço acknowledged that “law enforcement acted within the framework of their obligations” and claimed that order was quickly restored. He expressed gratitude to law enforcement, justice officials, and health professionals involved in managing the crisis.

The government reported over 1,500 arrests, 118 vandalized businesses, and 24 attacked public buses during the chaos. Lourenço condemned the violent acts, expressing regret over the loss of human lives, and announced that authorities would assist looted businesses in replenishing their stocks.

Notably, the president made no mention of the July 1 fuel price hike, which has been the spark for ongoing protests in a country despite its vast oil wealth, grappling with high poverty levels. The government’s handling of the unrest and the underlying economic grievances remain sensitive issues in Angola’s political landscape.