Violent protests have continued across Angola over the government’s reduction of fuel subsidy which has spiked the cost of gasoline in Africa’s second-largest oil-producing nation.
The protests spread through the capital Luanda to other cities Benguela and Namibe. Police have been responding with tear gas but the clashes have led to the death of at least five people.
Human rights groups are accusing Angolan state security forces of serious human rights abuses, including excessive and unnecessary use of force against peaceful protesters, as well as intimidation and arbitrary detentions of activists.
President Joao Lourenco earlier replaced his economic coordination minister the central bank boss.
Pump prices have doubled to almost 300 kwanzas ($0.4781) per litre. Comparatively, the petrol price in Nigeria is now about $1 per litre.
In Nigeria, new President Bola Tinubu survived a 200% price increase of the contentious subsidy by abolishing it on day one in office. Nigerians particularly the poor have seen step price rises on commodities and across the economy as a consequence.
The Angolan president is appealing for calm and understanding of the nation arguing the subsidy scheme could no longer be sustained as the government was trying to rein in public spending.
Police did not immediately respond to requests for details on people potentially injured or arrested.
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