Luanda, July 29, 2025 (Lusa) - The Luanda delegation of the National Association of Taxi Drivers of Angola (ANATA) has decided to continue the taxi strike, despite the national leadership announcing the suspension of the strike called for 28-30 July.

In a statement released on Tuesday, ANATA Luanda expressed “deep concern about the disturbances and acts of violence that occurred on 28 July 2025 in the capital”. It distanced itself “completely from these actions”, reaffirming that “such behaviour does not represent taxi drivers”.

Consequently, it decided to maintain the strike for the three days previously announced.

“ANATA Luanda is keeping all channels of dialogue open with the competent authorities to reach a consensus. However, it reinforces its demand that the profession’s claims receive effective attention, as it has become clear that the voice of taxi drivers reflects the cry of the Angolan people,” the statement said.

The national leadership of ANATA announced on Monday the suspension of the strike “to preserve social peace by ensuring that individuals outside the profession and opportunists with ulterior motives do not disrupt it.”

ANATA stated that opportunists not associated with the organisation carried out acts of vandalism, looting of warehouses and institutions, rioting, barricades and damage to public and private vehicles.

Taxi drivers’ associations and cooperatives called the strike, with the slogan “stay at home”, more than 20 days ago to protest against fuel and taxi fare increases.

The Angolan capital experienced violent protests, looting and barricades on Monday morning, resulting in injuries and four deaths, according to a provisional police report, which also announced more than 500 arrests.

The day began in Luanda today without any alternative transportation options while shops remained closed, and authorities already reported several attempts to break into commercial establishments.

RCR/ADB // ADB.

Lusa