According to a statement from the GPL, the events were characterized "by disturbances and acts of vandalism associated with the forced shutdown of taxi service."
According to the provincial government of Luanda, the country's capital, "the main taxi associations and cooperatives, which had initially announced a strike, officially canceled the strike over the weekend, as part of an effort to engage in dialogue with the authorities, with a view to resolving the demands raised."
"However, in the last few hours, groups of unidentified individuals without legitimate representation of the taxi industry have once again called for strikes, promoting acts of intimidation and violence, with attacks on vehicles operating on public roads – including those that do not provide taxi services," the statement said.
These acts of "vandalism, aggression against workers, destruction of public and private property, as well as any coercion against citizens who wish to freely carry out their activities" were "vehemently" condemned by the GLP.
"We reiterate that the protection of life, liberty, and the physical and property integrity of individuals is a priority for the State, which is why law enforcement agencies are actively on the ground, aiming to restore order and guarantee the safety of all citizens," the GPL emphasized in its statement.
To the population of Luanda, especially taxi operators and other transportation professionals, the GPL appealed "to maintain calm, civility, and trust in public institutions, avoiding participation in violent and destructive actions."
In the statement, the GPL emphasized that "investigations are underway to identify the perpetrators and instigators of these criminal acts, who must be held accountable under the law."
Earlier this month, the price of diesel increased from 300 to 400 kwanzas per liter, as part of the government's gradual withdrawal of fuel subsidies, which began in 2023, leading to an adjustment in public transportation fares.
Faced with rising diesel prices, the National Land Transportation Agency (ANTT) increased the price of shared taxis (occasional passenger transport) from 200 to 300 kwanzas and the fare for urban buses from 150 to 200 kwanzas.
Taxi drivers emphasize that more than 15 days have passed without the government "hearing the taxi drivers' cry for help," which is why "the taxi driver associations and cooperatives ANATA, ATA, CTMF, ATLA, CTCS, 2PN, and AB-TAXI" have decided to suspend taxi services on the 28th, 29th, and 30th of this month.
In the early hours of this Monday, taxi ranks were overwhelmed in several parts of the province, with numerous videos circulating on social media depicting the situation, including acts of vandalism in stores, stoned buses, road barricades, and burning tires.
The management of one of the businesses looted this morning has already announced the temporary closure of its stores in Luanda.
