A Police officer throws a smoke grenade towards protesters during a anti-government demonstration in Luanda on October 24, 2020. Angolan anti-riot police, some mounted on horse backs, fired teargas and beat up people as dozens took to the streets of the capital Luanda in anti-government protests. (Photo by Osvaldo Silva / AFP)
Angola’s National Police have assured citizens that the country’s security situation remains “stable,” despite recent unrest and circulating rumors suggesting otherwise.
In a statement released on Sunday, spokesperson Mateus Rodrigues sought to quell fears and reassure the public that daily life and institutional functions are operating normally.
“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,” Rodrigues said.
He warned that such waves of misinformation tend to emerge repeatedly just before major events hosted by Angola, often featuring misleading videos and audio clips—some originating from other countries or from incidents that have already been legally resolved.
“It is imperative that citizens consult official sources of information,” he urged, emphasizing the police’s commitment to maintaining public order, protecting people and property, and upholding constitutional rights.
The assurance comes against a backdrop of recent social unrest sparked by a strike from taxi associations protesting rising fuel costs and transport fares.
The strike, held between July 28 and 30, escalated into violent riots marked by vandalism, looting, and destruction across several provinces including the capital, Luanda. Official figures report 30 deaths, 277 injuries, and over 1,500 arrests during this period.
Following the turmoil, authorities detained several individuals, including the president and vice-president of the National Association of Taxi Drivers of Angola (ANATA), who had called for the strike. Speculation on social media now suggests a new strike could begin Monday if the ANATA leaders remain in custody.
Rodrigues concluded by reiterating that all security measures are in place to safeguard national and international events and that any attempts to disrupt peace will be met with swift action from Angola’s defense and security forces.
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