The so-called Civil Contestatória Society and the National Unity for the Total Revolution of Angola (UNTRA) are the organizers of this march in the capital, which is being widely shared on social media.
"Those who remain silent are consenting, those who march are transforming" is one of the slogans of the march, which is scheduled to gather in front of the São Paulo Market and continue near the National Assembly headquarters, Serrote José de Oliveira, a member of the organization, told Lusa.
"The government has raised the price of diesel and is also expected to raise the price of gasoline by September to 1,000 kwanzas. Therefore, this is an attitude that we repudiate and we will take to the streets to say that we do not accept this measure," the activist stated.
Serrote José de Oliveira, commonly known as "General Nila," coordinator of UNTRA, criticized the government's public policies, which penalize citizens' lives, and signaled that the country will likely see more demonstrations in the coming months against the government's measures.
"[This march] is a way to draw attention, this will just be the opening, because in a few weeks we'll have another demonstration, on August 9th," the activist said.
"General Nila" stated that the march has already been communicated to the Luanda Provincial Government (GPL) and the National Police Provincial Command, urging citizens to participate in the protest because "Angola is in mourning."
Because "300 kwanzas for a taxi is a lot, and considering [President of the Republic] João Lourenço is governing [the country], it's because Angolans accepted being slaves, but we need to stand up and discuss our rights," he argued.
The activist criticized the country's political opposition, which he said is "dominated by the ruling regime" (MPLA), and emphasized that the people will march in defense of their rights.
According to a note from the organization sent to the GPL and the Police Command, which Lusa had access to, the civil society protest march against the fuel price hike and taxi fares is scheduled to gather at the São Paulo Market square and continue to Largo da Maianga in central Luanda, 200 meters from the parliament building.
Recent protest marches in Luanda have been repressed by the police, according to previous reports from activists.
The march is also being called for in other provinces through social media posts, Lusa found, and is being supported by leaders of political parties such as the Democratic Bloc and the PRA-JA Servir Angola party.
Taxi fares (commonly known as "candongueiros") have increased to 300 kwanzas per trip, and urban bus fares have increased to 200 kwanzas per trip since Monday, a measure contested in various social and political circles in the country.
The new tariffs came into effect on Monday after the price of diesel increased from 300 to 400 kwanzas per liter on July 4, as part of the policy of progressively removing fuel subsidies.
