"These criminal actions that undermine public stability represent an attack on the democratic and rule of law rule and the well-being of citizens," a statement read on national television emphasized.
According to the Ministry of the Interior, "these are premeditated acts of sabotage and intimidation that will not, under any circumstances, be tolerated. Therefore, the authorities are taking all necessary measures to maintain public order and tranquility, as well as to identify, hold accountable, and bring to justice those who instruct and carry out these deplorable acts."
The authorities reaffirm that "the public security situation is stable and urge the public to refrain from participating in or encouraging such actions and to cooperate with the authorities by reporting any suspicious activities."
The protests erupted during the first of three days of taxi drivers' strikes against fuel price hikes, with thousands of people taking to the streets, acts of violence and vandalism, looting, and attacks on buses.
The Consulate General of Portugal in Luanda has warned about the current security situation in the capital, recommending caution and avoiding unnecessary travel, given the unrest that has occurred in several areas of Luanda.
"The current security situation in Luanda is being closely monitored and followed by the Portuguese diplomatic mission in Angola, in contact with the competent Angolan authorities and EU partners," reads the statement published on the consulate's official website.
The consulate advises Portuguese citizens to maintain "prudence and vigilance" and suggests joining the WhatsApp channel of the Consulate General of Portugal in Luanda, available at: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb60CvfEquiG2BpxWf2g.
Given the “mobility constraints expected for [Tuesday] 29 July”, the consulate also informed that “public services [...] will be severely limited” on that day, ensuring the “commitment to reschedule as soon as possible all consular acts that may be impacted by those limitations”.
