The United Nations Human Rights Office has called on Angolan authorities to launch an independent investigation into the violence that accompanied protests over rising fuel prices, which left at least 22 people dead and dozens injured.
The office’s spokesperson expressed concern over reports of excessive use of live ammunition and tear gas by security forces, as well as the arrest of more than 1,000 people.
While Human Rights Watch had previously condemned the escalating security violence against peaceful protesters, the UN urged Angola to ensure the rights to freedom of expression and assembly and to release those arbitrarily detained.
The protests come in the context of a government policy to cut fuel subsidies, backed by the International Monetary Fund, which has sparked repeated waves of public anger.
