Hundreds of citizens, including activists, civil society members, taxi drivers, vendors, students, and members of opposition political parties, joined the march organized by the so-called social movement against the decree approving the fuel price increase in Angola.
Holding signs with slogans such as "Fuel prices go up, stomachs growl"; "300 kwanzas is too much," "We don't accept laws that kill the people," "We're tired of eating from garbage," "The country is good, but the MPLA (the ruling party) is useless," the march began in the square of the São Paulo Market.
Starting promptly at 1 pm local time on Cônego Manuel das Neves Street, the protesters continued, under the watchful eye of national police officers, to Alameda Manuel Van-Dúnem and then to the entrance to Ho Chi Minh Avenue.
It was on this last avenue that they encountered a strong police cordon, preventing them from crossing to Largo 1.º de Maio. This caused the protesters' tempers to flare due to the police measures imposed there. However, due to their persistence, they managed to break through the barrier.
Intending to reach Largo Maianga, 200 meters from the National Assembly headquarters, the protesters also encountered a second barrier, already manned by Rapid Intervention Police (PIR) officers.
Intent on marching to the center of the capital, many protesters sought alternatives to escape the numerous police barriers set up on Luanda's main streets, and some even managed to reach the vicinity of the Luanda Provincial Government headquarters.
To curb the protesters' demands, some of whom claimed they were headed for the Presidential Palace, the police dispersed the march by firing tear gas.
The situation caused panic among protesters and passersby, who sought refuge, shouting and criticizing the PIR's stance. The group launched tear gas canisters at several points, resulting in injuries and some people passing out.
"We are already accustomed to police repression, and we are here to give our lives," said activist Simão Cativa Vítor, who participated in the march to make his voice heard and urge the MPLA government to "immediately lower" fuel prices.
"So, a country that produces oil, its people cannot suffer, and we are here to make our voices heard and say: down with the dictatorship, we want a free and fair Angola that serves its citizens," he said.
Sociology student Laureano da Silva also joined the march, expressing his discontent with the new fuel tariffs: "My presence here at this demonstration is to demonstrate my discontent with this measure, which I consider unfair and unfortunate," he said.
Rita Mendes, in turn, said she disagrees with the excessive increases in public transportation and fuel prices, justifying her presence at the demonstration: "We are tired of living like paupers in a billion-dollar country."
Visibly upset with the socioeconomic situation of Angolan families, now "worsened" by the increase in fuel prices, activist Gilson da Silva Moreira "Tanaice Neutro" said they took to the streets to protest for a "just cause" that affects all Angolans.
Taxi fares in Angola have increased to 300 kwanzas per trip, and city bus fares have increased to 200 kwanzas per trip since Monday, a measure that follows the increase in diesel prices, which rose from 300 to 400 kwanzas per liter starting July 4th.
