“The Hungry Can’t Stay Silent”: Behind Deadly Fuel Protests in Angola

Streets Erupt in July Protests

In July, the streets of Luanda and several provinces in Angola turned into battlegrounds after taxi drivers called for action against a sudden spike in fuel prices. What began as peaceful mobilization quickly spiraled into three days of unrest, leaving at least 30 people dead and thousands arrested.

Violence and Destruction Across the Capital

The protests paralyzed parts of the capital. Roads were blocked with burning tyres, shops were looted, and violent clashes erupted between demonstrators and police. The scale of unrest marked the most significant wave of dissent since the end of Angola’s civil war in 2002.

A Nation on the Brink of Celebration

The timing was striking. Angola, an oil-rich country, is preparing to celebrate 50 years of independence from Portugal this November. Yet instead of unity, the July demonstrations exposed the deep fractures within Angolan society—inequality, poverty, and disillusionment with leadership.

Fear and Silence in Communities

In neighborhoods where the protests were strongest, many residents remain too afraid to speak publicly about what happened. Numerous arrests during and after the protests have instilled a climate of fear. For some, silence feels safer than risking persecution.

The Voices of the Struggling Youth

A 24-year-old Luanda street vendor explained why he joined the first day of protests: “We needed to make that much noise to wake up those in power.” Selling soft drinks on a busy avenue to support his family, he said the demonstrations were about showing that ordinary people deserve a share of the nation’s wealth. “This country is rich for some, but miserable for so many of us,” he added.

Youth Unemployment Crisis

Angola’s young population is at the heart of the discontent. With a median age of just 16, unemployment among 15-to-24-year-olds stands at 54%. Out of 18 million young people of working age, only three million hold formal jobs. For the majority, life is marked by uncertainty and struggle.

Living Day by Day

The same street vendor admitted he often goes months without selling anything. “We can’t stay silent because no one pays attention to us,” he said, reflecting the daily reality of millions of jobless Angolan youth who live hand to mouth in the shadow of oil wealth.

Sociological Insight Into the Protests

Angolan sociologist Gilson Lázaro described the July demonstrations as an uprising of “the dispossessed.” He said, “These are young people who have nothing left but their lives. That is why they took to the streets without fear.” The unrest, he argued, lifted the veil on long-ignored social issues festering beneath the surface.

Political Legitimacy in Question

According to Dr. Lázaro, Angola is experiencing a deep crisis of political legitimacy rooted in governance failures since the end of the civil war. The ruling MPLA, in power for five decades, has faced growing criticism despite promises of reform.

President Lourenço’s Broken Promises

When President João Lourenço succeeded José Eduardo dos Santos in 2017, he pledged to tackle corruption and diversify the economy. Eight years on, critics argue he has failed to deliver. Inflation hovers around 18%, and a 2024 Afrobarometer survey found 63% of Angolans believe the economy has worsened over the past year.

Young People at the Forefront

From police brutality to corruption and hunger, Angola’s young population has spearheaded nearly every protest in recent years. But nothing has compared to the July unrest, which many see as a warning to those in power about the growing frustration among the youth.

Student Perspectives on the Crisis

Lea Komba, a 20-year-old political science student, described the protests as “terrifying but expected.” She explained: “Protests are the only way to show dissatisfaction with the precarious conditions we face.” For her, hunger and inequality leave young people with no alternative but to take to the streets.

Government’s Firm Response

President Lourenço, however, condemned the protests in a national address, labeling them “acts committed by irresponsible citizens” manipulated by anti-patriotic groups through social media. His government has refused to acknowledge the deeper social grievances fueling unrest.

The Oil Paradox

Economist Francisco Paulo highlighted Angola’s paradox: immense oil wealth, but little benefit for ordinary citizens. “If Angola managed its revenues like Norway or Saudi Arabia, the wealth could transform the country. Instead, it is wasted on superficial expenses,” he said.

Poverty Amid Oil Wealth

Despite recent economic growth, the World Bank estimates more than one-third of Angolans live on less than $2.15 a day. For many, the boom in oil revenues remains invisible, as everyday life grows harder.

Independence Celebrations Under Shadow

As preparations continue for Angola’s 50th independence anniversary—with music festivals, medal ceremonies, and even a football match featuring Lionel Messi—the stark reality of inequality looms. Many young Angolans feel excluded from the nation’s celebrations.

A Warning for the Future

Ms. Komba cautioned that unrest could return before the 2027 elections. “Hunger leaves people with nothing to lose. The looting was just a way to draw attention. Political awareness is growing, and elections are seen as the only hope for change,” she said

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