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A protest organized by the Angolan Students Movement (MEA) on Saturday drew hundreds to the streets of Luanda, demanding affordable education, lower fuel prices, and improved learning conditions.
The demonstration, however, ended abruptly before reaching its intended destination, amid conflicting reports from police and organizers.
According to the Luanda Provincial Command of the National Police, approximately 800 protesters participated in the march, which began at Largo do São Paulo and was scheduled to proceed to the Ministry of Finance.
Authorities claim the event was disrupted due to the alleged infiltration of “troublemakers” who engaged in disruptive acts.
“They entered the MEA group and began to commit a series of acts of violence. They threatened public order. The police had to create a containment barrier,” said Nestor Goubel, spokesman for the police command.
Goubel emphasized that the police exercised “calm and tolerant” conduct throughout the demonstration, stating that no tear gas was used and there were no direct confrontations, despite heightened tensions.
“The police today demonstrated their considerable experience. Our actions were restrained, even with visible provocations,” he added. Over 1,500 officers, including members of the PIR (Regional Police), were deployed to oversee the protest.
In contrast, MEA officials insist the demonstration remained peaceful and that their goals were achieved with the public reading of their manifesto. Francisco Teixeira, president of the MEA, denied any association with vandalism or unrest.
“We read the manifesto and returned home. The police behaved well.
We didn’t obey the order to go to Sueto because it was illegal. We followed the agreed route,” Teixeira told Correio da Kianda.
The protest attracted a diverse crowd including students, parents, street vendors, taxi drivers, musicians, and members of the opposition.
As chants of “books, wallets, health and education” echoed through the streets, the demonstration gave voice to widespread frustration over the country’s rising cost of living and deteriorating public services.
