BES Angola: Bataglia to be tried in absentia in Lisbon
Photo: Twitter / @zenaidamz
Angolan police fired live bullets and tear gas at youth protesting against poor living conditions on Wednesday, according to AFP reporters at the scene, the latest crackdown on a surge of anti-government demonstrations in recent weeks.
A number of demonstrations have taken place in Angola’s capital Luanda this year in protest against unemployment, high living costs and alleged state corruption.
The demonstrators, backed by main opposition party UNITA, are also demanding a new date for local elections delayed by the coronavirus pandemic.
More than 100 protesters were detained for a week at the last such event on October 24, violently dispersed by anti-riot police.
Organisers had called for another round of demonstrations on Wednesday — Angola’s Independence Day — which the provincial government banned due to coronavirus restrictions.
Security forces clamped down on dozens of young protesters who defied the ban, firing tear gas and beating fleeing demonstrators with sticks.
An AFP photographer at the scene said police also used live ammunition.
Video footage showing a dead protester lying on the road circulated on social media, although AFP was not able to independently verify the killing.
“Angola uses teargas to disperse peaceful protesters,” tweeted senior Human Rights Watch researcher Zenaida Machado, later adding that police had allegedly killed a protester.
Demonstrations were relatively rare when Angola’s President Joao Lourenco succeeded Jose Eduardo dos Santos in 2017 — raising hopes of change after almost four decades marked by graft and nepotism.
But disenchantment towards the government has grown in recent months, prompting several marches against a regime seen as failing on promises to clean up corruption and revive the economy.
A survey by business risk consultancy ExxAfrica last month found that two out of three Angolans were dissatisfied with their government and pessimistic about their prospects in the southwest African country.
Over 70 percent of respondents also said they felt insecure and voiced concern about mounting police brutality.
Amnesty International on Tuesday called on Angolan authorities to respect “rights to freedom of expressions and peaceful assembly”.
National Police of Angola shooting in the daylight against the protestors – II#manif11nov #angola #humanrights #angolarotests pic.twitter.com/XGLqhK1GOp
— Sara (@Saraa_Barroos) November 11, 2020
The moment when National Police stole @LuatyBeirao ‘s GoPro camera was recorded on video.#manif11nov #angola #humanrights #angolarotests pic.twitter.com/oiXC6RgQ6C
— Sara (@Saraa_Barroos) November 11, 2020
Civilians injured by police in #Angola in Independence Day demonstrations. https://t.co/QapC9v99uR
— Justin Pearce (@drjustinpearce) November 11, 2020
Luanda today. https://t.co/7fMomnr27s
— Justin Pearce (@drjustinpearce) November 11, 2020
ALERT: At least one protestor has been killed allegedly by Angolan police officers, many injured, and others detained, including @LuatyBeirao, after police tried to stop an anti-government peaceful protest in Luanda. pic.twitter.com/KA02fS8dlm
— Zenaida Machado (@zenaidamz) November 11, 2020
Ahead of today’s protest in Luanda, Angolan police shared intimidating images of their force training for a violent mission. You reap what you sown; .Violence – police brutality, tear gas, and the death of an innocent young man. All of that bcoz of peaceful anti-govnt protest.
— Zenaida Machado (@zenaidamz) November 11, 2020
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