Angola Protests Expose Poverty Amid Oil Wealth and Corruption

CIVICUS spoke with Florindo Chivucute, founder and executive director of Friends of Angola, a US-based civil society organisation, about the recent protests triggered by fuel subsidy cuts in Angola.

The government’s 1 July decision to remove diesel subsidies sharply increased transport costs, sparking protests. Angola is one of Africa’s top oil producers, yet most citizens see little benefit from its vast oil and diamond wealth. Demonstrators demanded an end to corruption and mismanagement, with at least 30 people killed, 277 injured and over 1,500 arrested.

Fuel price hikes were the immediate trigger, but the unrest reflected deeper frustrations with unemployment, poverty, and decades of corruption. Many see public resources benefiting a small elite connected to the ruling MPLA, while basic services are neglected.

Civil society, including churches, unions and local associations, has mobilised to demand accountability and support families of victims. However, organisations face restrictions, surveillance, funding shortages, and new repressive laws that further shrink civic space.

Observers warn that the government’s heavy-handed response risks fuelling mistrust ahead of the 2027 election. Addressing the crisis requires political will to fight corruption, manage public finances transparently, and invest in education, healthcare, and job creation. Institutional reforms and international support for electoral transparency are also seen as vital for restoring trust in Angola’s democracy.