Demonstrations in Angola: President regrets deaths and condemns vandalism and looting

The President of Angola, João Lourenço, yesterday regretted the deaths of people as a result of the protests that marked the week in the country, and offered his condolences to the bereaved families.

Addressing the Angolan nation, the Head of State condemned the acts of vandalism against public and private infrastructure and the looting of other people's property.

He called what has taken place in the country since Monday "premeditated acts", accusing "national and foreign anti-patriotic organizations" of manipulating "irresponsible citizens" through social networks.

"We strongly condemn such criminal acts, regret the loss of human life and take this opportunity to express, on behalf of ourselves and the Angolan Executive, our deepest sympathy to all the bereaved families and our best wishes for the speedy recovery of those injured as a result of the sad events," he said.

The most recent official figures show that 30 people died, 277 were injured and 1,515 were arrested, mostly in the provinces of Luanda, Benguela, Huíla, Huambo, Malanje, Bengo and Lunda Norte. Also destroyed were 118 commercial establishments, 24 public buses, more than 20 private vehicles, five vehicles belonging to the defense and security forces, a motorcycle and an ambulance.

The streets of Angola witnessed chaos after chapa (cab) operators announced a general strike for a period of three days, following the announcement of a rise in fuel prices.

The President of Angola, João Lourenço, yesterday regretted the deaths of people as a result of the protests that marked the week in the country, and offered his condolences to the bereaved families.

Addressing the Angolan nation, the Head of State condemned the acts of vandalism against public and private infrastructure and the looting of other people's property.

He called what has taken place in the country since Monday "premeditated acts", accusing "national and foreign anti-patriotic organizations" of manipulating "irresponsible citizens" through social networks.

"We strongly condemn such criminal acts, regret the loss of human life and take this opportunity to express, on behalf of ourselves and the Angolan Executive, our deepest sympathy to all the bereaved families and our best wishes for the speedy recovery of those injured as a result of the sad events," he said.

The most recent official figures show that 30 people died, 277 were injured and 1,515 were arrested, mostly in the provinces of Luanda, Benguela, Huíla, Huambo, Malanje, Bengo and Lunda Norte. Also destroyed were 118 commercial establishments, 24 public buses, more than 20 private vehicles, five vehicles belonging to the defense and security forces, a motorcycle and an ambulance.

The streets of Angola witnessed chaos after chapa (cab) operators announced a general strike for a period of three days, following the announcement of a rise in fuel prices.