— Unified Socialist Workers’ Party (PSTU-Brazil)
Inflation, unemployment, and attacks on wages have sparked protests in Angola against the neoliberal government of João Lourenço of the Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA). The MPLA has been in power for 50 years.
At the end of July, a taxi strike in Luanda sparked a revolt against fuel subsidy cuts, spreading demonstrations across the country, though they were harshly repressed.
Opinião Socialista interviewed José Gomes Hata, a member of the Third Division movement and a former political prisoner. Hata began his career in protest rap and participated in the 2011 and 2012 protests. He was arrested in 2015 and charged with conspiracy.
On July 28, the taxi drivers’ strike began in protest of rising fuel prices. The strike also had the support of much of the population, who took to the streets in spontaneous protest. What was the reason for this widespread popular support?
Several problems led to three days of unrest. In summary, Angola gained independence in 1975 after centuries of colonialism. Although multiparty elections were held in 1991-92, the country was plunged into civil war until 2002. The MPLA has been in power since independence.
Oil has always played a key role in Angola’s economy, and it is now Africa’s second-largest oil producer. However, a recession between 2011 and 2012 worsened living conditions, especially for young people. That’s when the first protests began.
From that moment on, Angola began experiencing political crises due to a lack of state resources. Given that our economy depends on oil, we turned to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The IMF entered Angola and presented its recommendations related to budget cuts in social sectors, affecting even fuel subsidies.
Currently, our foreign debt consumes more than 60% of the state budget. In other words, most of the budget goes toward debt repayment. Since then, the government has increased fuel prices excessively.
This affects everyone’s pocketbook, not just taxi drivers, correct?
Yes. A liter of fuel used to cost just over 100 kwanzas; however, the MPLA government aims to raise the price to 800 kwanzas (approximately USD 0.88) (1). The first attempt at an increase took place in 2023. However, the public reacted with protests.
The Angolan government then increased the price of fuel by 33%, raising it to 400 kwanzas (USD 0.44) per liter. This occurred in a country where the minimum wage is 30,000 kwanzas (approximately USD 95), and where inflation was close to 20% between May and June.
Between June and July, public sector wages were delayed as paying off foreign debt was prioritized. As fuel prices rose and transportation became more expensive, wages remained stable and the public sector remained the largest employer.
Society reacted! First, protests were held against the fuel price increase. Then, student demonstrations occurred. Finally, the Taxi Drivers’ Association (TAI) took action. They planned a peaceful strike and suspended their activities. However, the day before, the Criminal Investigation Service kidnapped the association’s vice president, causing chaos. The next day, with no taxis on the streets, the revolt escalated. Hungry families looted markets to take food home.
Police attacked protesters, shooting and killing women, children, and the elderly. More than 100 people were killed and 1,500 were wounded. However, these are official figures from the Ministry of the Interior. I believe the actual numbers are much higher because dictatorships are not transparent.
Then, the police began persecuting people in their homes. They arrested passersby who had nothing to do with the incident. People leaving hospitals, going to church, or going about their daily business were intercepted and killed. These shocking videos show the cruelty of this regime.
How are people reacting after taking to the streets and experiencing this repressive violence?
Well, there are different reactions. The petty bourgeoisie, which controls the traditional media (radio, newspapers, and television), reinforces the system’s rhetoric to legitimize repression, deaths, and poverty. They label protesters as vandals. Conversely, young people protest and recognize that this social uprising is the result of 50 years of dictatorship.
But the resistance continues. It is a time of crisis, but as the name implies, it is also a time to take a stand and raise awareness. Clearly, there is more criticism. There is collective outrage resulting from the latest repression.
What will happen in the coming days?
Protests have been planned in Angola and at Angolan consulates around the world. In Brazil, protests will take place on Friday, August 8, in Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, and Brasília. I invite everyone to protest en masse against the dictatorship, the killings, and IMF interference in Angola, and to demand freedom of expression.
We have warned about the severity of the Angolan crisis. It is not limited to political instability. The problem runs deeper: we must define the type of state we want. There are also multinational corporations, foreign debt, and issues of sovereignty over resources. Simply removing the government is not enough. It is crucial that Angola’s resources serve the Angolan people. The Angolan problem runs much deeper, and we must confront the evils created by the state and the capitalist system.
Note:
(1) The exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and the Angolan kwanza in mid-August is as follows: USD 1 equals 911.95 kwanzas (AOA).
