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Residents in parts of Luanda continue to be fearful to discuss publicly about what transpired last month, when uprisings brought the city to a standstill and disturbances impacted multiple provinces.

Starting out as a call among cab operators to oppose surging energy expenses evolved into three days of conflict, leading to at least three dozen fatalities and numerous individuals of arrests.

Streets became impassable with burning tyres, businesses were plundered, and skirmishes erupted between protesters and law enforcement.

This marked one of the largest surges of public outcry since the end of the national strife in 2002.

Fundamental Causes: Economic Hardship and Disparity

Preceding oil-rich Angola celebrating 50 years of independence from Portugal, the protests emphasized continuing concerns about poverty and economic disparity.

In neighborhoods where unrest peaked, scarce residents are prepared to talk frankly, fearing retaliation or targeting due to mass arrests during and after the incidents.

"Situations could have gotten out of control, but we needed to protest loudly to wake up those in power," stated a 24-year-old peddler from Luanda who requested anonymity.

Having left school before concluding formal schooling, he now sells refreshments along one of the capital's busiest thoroughfares to sustain his family.

He is countless people struggling to survive amid gleaming skyscrapers erected by petroleum income.

Joblessness Among Young People Propels Frustration

In his view, joining the initial phase of rallies was a way to demonstrate that "we have a voice" and that individuals in his situation deserve a piece of the resources of a country that is "affluent for a few, but difficult for so many of us."

Youth unemployment has been a primary cause of public demonstrations in this demographically fresh state where the typical age is less than 16.

Joblessness among youth stands at 54%, according to official figures. Out of numerous young people of productive years, only three million have jobs in the official workforce – indicating they obtain regular wages and pay taxes.

In Angola's main cities, a large population of idle adolescents who are no longer in school highlight the state's difficulty in meeting their hopes.

"I merely trade on the street when I can earn sufficient funds to buy the soft drinks," the peddler noted. "At times when I make no sales because business is so slow. Numerous people like me live like this, and no one notices us. That’s why we must speak out."

Academic Insight

Researcher Gilson Lázaro was unsurprised by the summer protests. He argues that those at the center of the demonstrations were the "impoverished."

"They represent young people, the most, who have nothing left but their lives. That is why they demonstrated openly without fear," he stated.

The demonstrations started spontaneously in some of Luanda's more crowded and underprivileged districts, where some residents are without access to fundamental amenities as well as other essential infrastructure.

Step by step, participants moved into the capital's main avenues, causing chaos and "revealing a public concern that has been present for ages but which the leadership has opted to neglect," according to the sociologist.

"For some time, Angola has been approaching a deep societal, economic, and, most importantly, political legitimacy crisis. The fundamental issue is the flawed way the country has been administered since the end of the civil war in 2002," Dr. Lázaro added.

State Position

The Angolan government has taken a contrary perspective.

An authority representative did not acknowledge a request for statement on the protests and their fallout, but in a official declaration, President João Lourenço made his position clear.

He criticized the protests as "actions committed by unaccountable people, influenced by disloyal national and foreign organizations through online platforms, bringing sorrow, destruction of government and civilian possessions, restricted entry to essential goods and services, and layoffs for Angolans."

Economic Challenges

Regardless of frequent commitments to expand beyond oil, Angola remains reliant upon oil and gas, which are by far the country's primary overseas sales as well as the primary provider of government revenue.

"Raw materials are good, but the issue lies in how earnings are used," national analyst Francisco Paulo stated. "Should the nation emulate systems like Norway or Saudi Arabia, using oil wealth to strengthen non-oil sectors and train its workforce, it would be a advantage. Regrettably, revenues here are squandered on non-essential costs with no added value."

After the departure of former President Dos Santos, Angola endured five straight years of economic shrinkage between 2017 and 2021.

Growth only returned in 2022, mainly fueled by non-oil sectors. But recent growth has had little impact on the conditions faced by the population.

As per an analysis this year, the World Bank estimated that more than a 33% of the population survive on less than $2.15 per day.

Experts noted that while the economy was growing, it was not paralleling population growth, meaning that, on average, people were becoming more impoverished.

What Comes Next

As independence celebrations approach, plans including music festivals, presidential medal ceremonies, and a sports event featuring renowned athlete Messi are in advanced stages.

But student Lea Komba questions the old socialist slogan "united citizens, one state," popularized during the one-party Marxist-Leninist regime of the late 1970s.

"That is incorrect that we all share the same reality. There is huge inequality. Young people in marginalized areas are almost subjected to extreme poverty, without adequate instruction or decent jobs, even if they study hard and earn a degree," she stated.

"The youth think with their immediate necessities, because food insecurity leaves them with little hope. They are the ones who occupied public spaces."

Ms. Komba added that "the authorities must look at underlying issues, not just consequences."

"Plundering was simply the way young people found to draw attention from those in power."

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