Luanda, July 29, 2025 (Lusa) - The Association of Modern Trade and Distribution Companies of Angola (Ecodima) expressed "deep concern" over the incidents of vandalism, looting and public disorder in Luanda and announced the early closure of commercial establishments.
In a statement on Monday evening, Ecodima, which brings together the main formal operators in the country's trade and distribution sector, stressed that the incidents cause “disruption to the functioning of the sector, with a direct impact on the integrity of supply chains, the safety of employees and the preservation of business assets”.
To ensure the "safety of people and property," Ecodima announced that it would temporarily close commercial establishments at 5 p.m. to "guarantee the mobility and safety of employees working in the trade sector."
Several banks and commercial establishments issued alerts throughout the day announcing the closure of branches and establishments until Wednesday.
The events recorded on Monday in Luanda coincided with a taxi drivers' strike and demonstrations against the rising cost of living scheduled for Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday in the Angolan capital.
In its statement, Ecodima stresses that "attacks and vandalism have been reported at various commercial establishments and distribution centres, jeopardising not only private investment but also the regular supply of essential goods to the public".
Ecodima recalls that the sector it represents "is one of the main pillars of the formal economy, responsible for thousands of direct and indirect jobs, for most of the non-oil tax revenue and for the regular distribution of basic necessities at the national level".
“Any serious disruption to its normal functioning compromises not only the immediate well-being of the public, but also the fiscal, social and economic stability of the country, as well as the normal supply and replenishment of stocks,” it adds.
In this regard, Ecodima calls on the public not to attack private property and commercial establishments, which it highlights as being the “guarantor of jobs and livelihoods for thousands of families” and which, if vandalised, “jeopardises the continued maintenance of related jobs”.
Also on Monday, in a statement read on television, the Angolan Ministry of the Interior classified the events that occurred in Luanda “since the early hours” of Monday as “criminal acts”, considering that they “represent an attack on the democratic state and the rule of law”.
“These criminal actions that threaten public stability represent an attack on the democratic state and the rule of law and on the well-being of citizens,” said a statement read on national television.
EL/AYLS // AYLS
Lusa
