Angola's Fuel Protest: Death Toll Rises Amid Economic Turmoil

The Angolan government announced a significant jump in the death toll from violent protests sparked by a fuel price hike, raising the figure to 22 from the previous count of four. The disturbances erupted when minibus taxi associations initiated a strike against the government's decision to boost diesel prices by a third, as part of efforts to cut costly subsidies.

Violence, looting, and clashes with law enforcement erupted in the nation's capital, Luanda, and quickly spread to other provinces. President Joao Lourenco's administration held a meeting to assess the security situation and the police response, following a dramatic escalation in violence.

The presidency reported a total of 22 casualties, 197 injuries, and over 1,200 arrests. Vandalism targeted 66 shops, 25 vehicles, and several supermarkets and warehouses. These actions are part of a broader push by Angola to eliminate fuel subsidies, which amounted to a significant portion of GDP, amid scrutiny by international investors.

(With inputs from agencies.)