Geneva, Switzerland, July 31, 2025 (Lusa) - The UN Human Rights Office on Thursday called on Angolan authorities to conduct “prompt, thorough and independent investigations into the deaths of at least 22 people, as well as related human rights violations” during protests in Luanda.
In a statement released this afternoon, Office spokesperson Thameen Al-Kheetan noted that "official reports indicate that security forces detained more than 1,000 people" during protests in the Angolan capital this week, adding that "unverified images suggest that security forces used live ammunition and tear gas to disperse protesters, which demonstrates a forceful response that could be more measured."
Recognising that "some of the protesters resorted to violence and that several individuals are reported to have taken advantage of the unrest to commit criminal acts, including looting shops and vandalising property in several locations in the capital, Luanda," Al-Kheetan called on the Angolan authorities “to maintain public order through the restrained and proportionate use of force, and to say that the rights to life, freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association are fully enjoyed”.
“States should release anyone they have arbitrarily detained without delay. Demonstrators who take to the streets to express their opinions should do so peacefully. Authorities must investigate every human rights violation and hold the responsible individuals accountable,” concluded the spokesperson for the Human Rights Office, based in Geneva, Switzerland.
Luanda began to return to normal today after three days of taxi strikes that led to violent riots, looting and clashes, leaving 22 dead, 197 injured and 1,214 arrested, according to authorities.
The violence took place between Monday and Wednesday, following a strike called by taxi cooperatives and associations to protest against rising fuel prices and public transport fares. Officials are gathering information to issue an official estimate of the material damage resulting from the acts of vandalism and looting.
The government has classified the events as “acts of vandalism”, and today the Angolan authorities began trying those responsible for the looting and vandalism, many of whom are minors. The authorities will return them to their families.
ACC/ADB // ADB.
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