Thousands of Chinese nationals living in Angola fled the country in August, following an outbreak of violence directed at Chinese-owned businesses by protesters. The violence was triggered by anti-government protests in late July, which descended into widespread looting and vandalism that reportedly saw Chinese-owned businesses targeted with particular ferocity and resulted in the destruction or closure of more than 100 such enterprises. In the wake of the attacks, at least 5,000 Chinese nationals left Angola. Against a background of high economic inequality, the prominent role played by China and its diaspora in Angola’s economy has become a source of tension in the country.

Sources: Daily Monitor, The East African, The Globe and Mail  

Between 28 and 29 July, at least 22 people were killed and nearly 200 others injured in clashes between police and protesters demonstrating against the Angolan government’s removal of fuel subsidies and the growing cost of living. The protests began in Luanda on 28 July, triggered by a taxi strike in the capital, but quickly spread to three other provinces and were reported to be the most widespread and disruptive demonstrations Angola has experienced in recent years. While the protests began peacefully, they descended into violence, with police using live ammunition and tear gas to disperse protesters and some protesters engaging in looting and vandalism. Several smaller scale fuel protests were held earlier in July and were also affected by police violence. 

Sources: Africa Confidential, British Broadcasting Corporation, ISS Africa, Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International 

At the end of August, President João Lourenço promulgated two laws that significantly restrict civil liberties, including freedom of association and assembly and freedom of expression. The Law on Crimes of Vandalism of Public Goods and Services imposes prison sentences of up to 25 years for vandalism of public goods and services or the promotion thereof. A ‘legal entity’ (e.g. a civil society organisation or a political party) found liable can be dissolved. Its aim, according to the government, is to prevent ‘chaos and violence’ at protests, but legal experts say its broad provisions and draconian punishments are likely to have a chilling effect. The National Security Law compels Angolans to collaborate with the national security apparatus, requiring them to communicate knowledge of any threats to national security. Failure to comply with this obligation attracts criminal liability. The law was, however, shorn of several of its controversial draft provisions, including expansive security service search powers and government controls over online media.

Sources: Law on Crimes of Vandalism of Public Goods and Services,  National Security Law, Deutsche Welle, ISS Africa, International IDEA  

At the end of January, the National Assembly gave preliminary (general) approval to a new national security law. The law was a proposal from the President. It will now continue through the legislative process in the coming weeks. The new law would concentrate control over security services in the presidency. It also expands the powers of the security services to conduct searches without warrants and to set up surveillance equipment. The government would also be empowered to take action against online media that it construes as endangering national security, and to fully shut down the Internet in Angola.

Sources: Assembleia Nacional, Novo Jornal, Daily Maverick, Voice of America, Deutsche Welle