The Angolan National Police (PNA) has strongly denounced a wave of vandalism, public disorder, and looting that broke out in Luanda in the early hours of Monday, allegedly triggered by a widespread taxi strike.
Speaking at a press briefing in the capital, PNA spokesperson Deputy Commissioner Mateus Rodrigues urged calm among the population and called on media outlets to actively discourage any behavior that contributes to public unrest.
“We condemn all behavior that jeopardizes the safety and tranquility of the population,” Rodrigues stated, highlighting the seriousness of the incidents, which disrupted normalcy across several districts of the city.
According to Rodrigues, the police have already made multiple arrests in connection with the disturbances.
“Those individuals who were detained will be referred to the judiciary for criminal prosecution,” he confirmed, reiterating the force’s commitment to restoring public order and legality.
While Rodrigues acknowledged the gravity of the situation, he said it was still too early to provide detailed figures on the number of arrests or the extent of the damage caused. “Our focus is on the complete restoration of legality and the normalization of public order,” he explained.
The unrest, linked to grievances within the taxi sector, saw various commercial establishments targeted by looters, sparking concern among local businesses and residents.
Authorities have yet to disclose whether the strike was organized by specific unions or occurred spontaneously.
As tensions continue, the PNA is reinforcing patrols and increasing security presence in vulnerable areas of the city.
The government has not yet commented on whether it will hold negotiations with representatives of the taxi industry to address the root causes of the protest.
For now, Luanda’s residents are being urged to remain indoors where possible, as the city recovers from a day of disruption that underscored deepening frustrations within one of its most vital transport sectors.
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