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Locals in parts of Angola’s primary city are still afraid to talk freely about the incidents in July, when protests halted daily activities and unrest shook various areas.

Initially launched as a demand among cab operators to protest rising fuel prices turned into 72 hours of violence, leading to at least 30 deaths and thousands of arrests.

Streets became impassable with burning tyres, stores got raided, and skirmishes occurred between activists and police.

It represented one of the most significant waves of dissent since the end of the civil war in 2002.

Fundamental Reasons: Economic Hardship and Disparity

Preceding petroleum-endowed Angola commemorating 50 years of autonomy from Portugal, the protests underscored ongoing apprehensions about poverty and social inequality.

Within communities where protests were strongest, scarce residents are willing to share views publicly, concerned over retaliation or persecution due to widespread detentions during and after the events.

"Situations could have gotten out of control, but we needed to protest loudly to rouse those in power," stated a 24-year-old street vendor from Luanda who chose to remain unnamed.

Since departing school before finishing high school, he now sells refreshments along one of the capital's most crowded roads to sustain his family.

This individual represents millions striving to get by amid modern infrastructures funded by energy wealth.

Joblessness Among Young People Propels Frustration

According to him, taking part in the first day of demonstrations was a way to show that "we have a voice" and that those facing similar challenges are entitled to a piece of the wealth of a country that is "prosperous for elites, but difficult for numerous of us."

Lack of employment for the youth has been a primary cause of protests in this youthful country where the middle age is under 16.

Joblessness among 15-to-24-year-olds stands at 54%, based on official figures. Out of numerous young people of productive years, only three million have jobs in the regulated economy – meaning they get regular wages and pay taxes.

In Angola's main cities, numerous unemployed youth who are no longer in school emphasize the state's inability in meeting their hopes.

"I just vend on the street when I can earn sufficient funds to buy the soft drinks," the informal merchant noted. "There are months when I make no sales because business is so slow. Numerous people like me live like this, and no one notices us. That’s why we can't stay silent."

Academic Insight

Angolan sociologist Gilson Lázaro was not surprised by the July events. He argues that those at the center of the demonstrations were the "impoverished."

"This group consists of young people, the most, who have no alternatives but their lives. That is why they took to the streets without fear," he stated.

The uprisings arose spontaneously in some of Luanda's more crowded and underprivileged neighborhoods, where some inhabitants do not have access to fundamental amenities as well as other critical facilities.

Over time, protesters moved into the capital's main avenues, causing disorder and "exposing a public concern that has long existed but which the political elite has chosen to overlook," according to the expert.

"Over recent years, Angola has been heading towards a serious societal, economic, and, most importantly, political legitimacy crisis. The root cause is the defective way the country has been administered since the end of the civil war in 2002," Dr. Lázaro noted.

Government Response

National authorities has adopted a contrary perspective.

An authority representative did not respond to a request for statement on the demonstrations and their fallout, but in a national address, President João Lourenço made his views clear.

He criticized the protests as "acts committed by unaccountable people, influenced by unpatriotic domestic and international organizations through digital networks, bringing mourning, destruction of public and private property, restricted entry to critical products and support, and job losses for Angolans."

Economic Challenges

Regardless of frequent commitments to diversify its economy, Angola remains reliant upon oil and gas, which are by far the country's leading traded goods as well as the key source of state income.

"Raw materials are beneficial, but the challenge lies in how earnings are allocated," Angolan economist Francisco Paulo stated. "Had Angola adopted examples like Norway or Saudi Arabia, using oil wealth to strengthen non-oil sectors and develop its labor pool, it would be a blessing. Regrettably, revenues here are wasted on superficial expenses with no real benefit."

After the exit of former President Dos Santos, Angola endured five straight years of economic contraction between 2017 and 2021.

Recovery only restarted in 2022, mainly fueled by non-oil sectors. But the latest expansion has had little impact on the daily reality of citizens.

As per an analysis this year, the World Bank estimated that more than a one-third of the population subsist with less than $2.15 per day.

The report indicated that while the economy was expanding, it was not matching population growth, meaning that, on average, people were getting poorer.

Future Outlook

Ahead of the sovereignty commemorations, plans including entertainment gatherings, official recognitions, and a sports event involving renowned athlete Messi are in full swing.

But student Lea Komba questions the old socialist slogan "one people, one nation," created during the historical single-party system of the late 1970s.

"It's simply not true that we all share the same reality. There is huge inequality. Young people in marginalized areas are almost condemned to extreme poverty, without quality education or decent jobs, even if they work diligently and earn a degree," she stated.

"The youth think with their immediate necessities, because hunger leaves them with little hope. They are the ones who occupied public spaces."

Ms. Komba added that "officials must look at root causes, not just results."

"The looting was simply the way young people found to draw attention from those in power."

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