Angola police crack down on anti-government protests

By AFP

• Police in Angola arrested more than 100 people after anti-government protests.
• Those arrested ranged in age from 18 to 78, police said.
• Protestors’ complaints included service delivery, corruption, and the cost of living.

More than 100 people, including women and the elderly, have been detained by police following protests in the east of Angola, local authorities said Sunday. 

The local interior ministry of the eastern Lunda Sul province said in a statement a group had “entered the public highway… creating obstacles for passers-by and causing security problems”. 

The protesters, also including children, were demonstrating against the government, high living costs, alleged state corruption and service delivery.

According to authorities the demonstrators acted in “rebellion” by throwing stones and sharp objects and damaging two police vehicles.

“As a result of unruly behaviour… 132 individuals were detained, including 92 men, aged between 18 and 78 years and 45 women, aged between 19 and 58 years,” a statement said.

No deaths or injuries were reported.

In August, Human Rights Watch (HRW) said Angolan police had allegedly killed a dozen activists since January, urging government to swiftly probe reports of abuse and rights violation.

The country’s law enforcement authorities have also been accused of the arbitrary arrests and detention of hundreds, the NGO said. 

The oil-rich southern African nation has experienced a wave of protests since the government cut subsidies for petrol in June. 

The move was aimed at curbing government spending, as the economy suffers from a slide in oil prices that has weakened the local currency, the kwanza. But it resulted in unpopular sharp fuel price hikes.