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Locals in parts of Angola’s primary city continue to be fearful to talk freely about what transpired last month, when uprisings halted daily activities and turmoil rocked multiple provinces.

Starting out as a call among cab operators to resist increased petrol costs evolved into multiple days of conflict, resulting in at least 30 deaths and numerous individuals of arrests.

Roads were blocked with burning tyres, stores got raided, and confrontations erupted between activists and police.

It represented one of the most impactful surges of dissent since the conclusion of the civil war in 2002.

Fundamental Causes: Economic Hardship and Imbalance

Preceding petroleum-endowed Angola celebrating 50 years of autonomy from Portugal, the movements emphasized persistent apprehensions about poverty and wealth gaps.

In neighborhoods where protests were strongest, limited individuals are inclined to share views publicly, worried about backlash or targeting due to widespread detentions during and after the events.

"Situations could have escalated excessively, but we required to protest loudly to wake up those in power," stated a 24-year-old peddler from Luanda who requested anonymity.

Having left school before concluding formal schooling, he now sells beverages along one of the capital's busiest roads to support his family.

He counts among millions striving to get by amid modern infrastructures erected by oil revenues.

Lack of Opportunities for the Young Propels Resentment

For the vendor, participating in the opening stage of rallies was a way to show that "our opinions matter" and that those facing similar challenges merit a portion of the wealth of a country that is "affluent for a few, but difficult for a large segment of us."

Joblessness among young adults has been a primary cause of dissent in this youthful country where the middle age is under 16.

Joblessness among 15-to-24-year-olds is at 54%, based on official figures. Out of 18 million young people of working age, only three million have jobs in the regulated economy – indicating they receive regular wages and fulfill fiscal duties.

In Angola's main cities, numerous unemployed youth who are no longer in school highlight the state's inability in addressing their hopes.

"I merely trade on the street when I can get enough money to buy the soft drinks," the street vendor remarked. "At times when I don't sell anything because business is so sluggish. I and countless others live like this, and nobody pays attention us. That’s why we must speak out."

Sociological Perspective

Angolan sociologist Gilson Lázaro was expecting by the July events. He believes that those at the core of the demonstrations were the "marginalized."

"They represent young people, the most, who have no alternatives but their lives. That is why they protested publicly without fear," he stated.

The uprisings started without planning in some of Luanda's more populous and poorer areas, where some inhabitants lack access to basic sanitation as well as other necessary utilities.

Gradually, demonstrators moved into the capital's main avenues, causing turmoil and "exposing a social problem that has long existed but which the governing class has chosen to overlook," according to the analyst.

"In the past period, Angola has been moving into a serious social, economic, and, above all, governmental credibility crisis. The root cause is the defective way the country has been run since the end of the civil war in 2002," Dr. Lázaro commented.

Official Reaction

The Angolan government has adopted a contrary perspective.

An authority representative did not answer a inquiry for input on the protests and their aftermath, but in a official declaration, President João Lourenço made his feelings clear.

He condemned the protests as "acts committed by unaccountable people, influenced by anti-patriotic local and overseas organizations through social media, bringing mourning, damage of government and civilian possessions, restricted entry to basic necessities and utilities, and unemployment for Angolans."

Financial Struggles

Despite repeated promises to expand beyond oil, Angola remains dependent on oil and gas, which are by far the country's leading traded goods as well as the major origin of government revenue.

"Raw materials are beneficial, but the issue lies in how income are utilized," local financial expert Francisco Paulo stated. "Had Angola adopted models like Norway or Saudi Arabia, using oil wealth to bolster non-oil sectors and develop its human capital, it would be a blessing. Regrettably, revenues here are squandered on superficial expenses with no added value."

After the exit of former President Dos Santos, Angola experienced five straight years of economic decline between 2017 and 2021.

Growth only returned in 2022, largely driven by non-oil sectors. But the latest expansion has had minimal effect on the daily reality of citizens.

In a report this year, the World Bank estimated that more than a third of the population survive on less than $2.15 per day.

It said that while the economy was expanding, it was not paralleling population growth, meaning that, on average, people were experiencing declining wealth.

Looking Ahead

As independence celebrations approach, plans including music festivals, official recognitions, and a soccer game including Argentinian Lionel Messi are in full swing.

But student Lea Komba challenges the old socialist slogan "one people, one nation," created during the former socialist government of the late 1970s.

"It's simply not true that we all share the same reality. There is significant imbalance. Young people in underserved regions are almost destined for extreme poverty, without quality education or decent jobs, even if they apply themselves and earn a degree," she said.

"This demographic think with their immediate necessities, because starvation leaves them with nothing to lose. They are the ones who occupied public spaces."

Ms. Komba added that "government leaders must look at underlying issues, not just results."

"The looting was simply the way young people found to draw attention from those in power."

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