In a press release reporting on the country's public security situation, National Police spokesperson Mateus Rodrigues said this report aims to "bring a message of reassurance to citizens, that there is no reason to worry about limiting public movement in the coming days."
"The Angolan National Police has been closely monitoring the production, publication, republication, and dissemination of information on social media, the vast majority of which is false, slanderous, and even criminal, with a single purpose: to spread fear, insecurity, and social instability in the country," he stated.
Mateus Rodrigues also warned that "this phenomenon is cyclical and always occurs on the eve of major events hosted by Angola, with the publication of videos and audios, some even from other countries, of situations that occurred previously, some even involving disciplinary and criminal proceedings with final judgments."
"Regarding this point, it is imperative that citizens consult official sources of information," said the police spokesperson, assuring that "the security situation in the country is stable," reiterating "its role as guardian of public order and tranquility, the protection of people and their property, and the free exercise of fundamental rights and guarantees under the Constitution of the Republic of Angola."
According to Mateus Rodrigues, all security measures are in place to ensure all national and international activities taking place in the country, further warning that "any and all attempts to disrupt public order and tranquility will be met with a prompt and appropriate response from the country's defense and security forces, depending on the level of threat it poses."
In recent weeks, Angola has experienced moments of social unrest following a strike organized by taxi associations and cooperatives in protest against high fuel prices and public transportation fares.
The strike, which took place between July 28th and 30th, was marked by riots, characterized by acts of vandalism, looting, violence, and destruction of public and private property. Official data showed 30 deaths, 277 injuries, and 1515 arrests.
The acts of destruction and violence witnessed in the province of Luanda, the country's capital, also spread to the provinces of Benguela, Icolo e Bengo, Bengo, Huíla, Malanje, Huambo, and Lunda Norte.
Following this incident, authorities have announced several arrests, including the president and vice-president of the National Association of Taxi Drivers of Angola (ANATA), who led the call for the three-day taxi service strike.
In light of these arrests, reports circulated on social media suggesting a new strike starting Monday if the ANATA leaders remain in custody.
