Angola: Taxi Strike Sparks ⁢Deadly Violence, Amnesty International Demands‌ Accountability

Luanda, Angola – A three-day taxi drivers’ strike that began on July 28th ⁢has plunged Angola into a ‌crisis, leaving a trail of death, injury, and mass arrests. Amnesty ⁢International has issued a stark condemnation of the Angolan security​ forces’ response,reporting ⁣that⁣ at least 29 people ​were killed,hundreds more injured,and over 1,200 ‍individuals arbitrarily arrested across Luanda,Huambo,Benguela,and Huíla.

Tigere Chagutah, Amnesty International’s Regional Director for⁤ East and⁣ Southern Africa, expressed grave concern over the escalating violence. “Nobody should be killed, arrested ​or injured for simply striking,” Chagutah stated.⁣ “The​ Angolan security forces must ‌refrain from using unnecessary and disproportionate⁢ force during protests and observe due procedure before arresting those suspected of engaging in unlawful conduct.”

Chagutah emphasized‌ the essential obligations ‌of security forces. “Security forces have an obligation​ to ensure‌ the safety‌ of the public and respect and protect human rights during their operations, including when addressing isolated cases of individuals involved in looting shops,​ and destroying property.”

Calls for Justice and Reparations

Amnesty International is urging the Angolan authorities ‌to take immediate and decisive⁤ action. “We call on ‌the⁢ Angolan authorities to promptly initiate an⁤ independent, thorough‍ and impartial inquiry into the killings and injuries resulting ‌from this⁤ crackdown,” the organization declared. “Perpetrators must be held ⁤to account in ‍fair trials that meet international standards and victims of the violations, and their families must be guaranteed comprehensive reparation, which should be proportional to the ⁣gravity of the ⁤violations and the harm suffered.”

Furthermore, the human rights organization stressed the need for openness regarding the ⁤detained. “Authorities must ​also disclose information about those who ‍have been ⁤arrested by security forces whose whereabouts remain unknown.”

Background ‍to the Unrest

The recent protests are part​ of‌ a growing​ wave of dissent following a notable fuel price hike. Similar‌ demonstrations, organized‍ by ‌the ⁤Angolan Civil ⁣Society movement,⁣ occurred ‌on July 12th, 19th, and 26th, ⁢highlighting‍ widespread⁤ public discontent.

During the earlier ​protests on ​July 12th ⁣and 19th,reports indicate that Angolan security forces employed excessive force,resulting in at least three injuries and the arrest of 12 individuals in Luanda. ‍The Angola National Taxi Association (ANATA) afterward called for the three-day⁢ strike commencing July 28th,which quickly escalated.

Violent⁣ confrontations with⁢ police, alongside acts‍ of ‌vandalism and looting, were reported across multiple cities, including Luanda, ⁢Huambo, Benguela, ⁤and Huíla. On July 30th, the Minister of Interior, ⁤Manuel Homem, confirmed​ the grim statistics: 1,214 arrests, 29 deaths, and over 200 ‍injuries.⁣ however,⁢ Amnesty International cautions that​ these figures may not represent the ‍full extent of the casualties, suggesting⁤ that the actual number⁣ of dead and injured could be considerably higher. The situation ⁣remains tense as the nation grapples with ‌the aftermath of⁢ this violent crackdown.