Responding to reports that at least 29 people were killed, hundreds more injured and more than 1,200 people arbitrarily arrested in Luanda, Huambo, Benguela and Huíla, during a three-day taxi drivers’ strike which started on 28 July, Amnesty International’s Regional Director for East and Southern Africa regional office Tigere Chagutah said:

“Nobody should be killed, arrested or injured for simply striking. 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.

“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.

“We call on the Angolan authorities to promptly initiate an independent, thorough and impartial investigation into the killings and injuries resulting from this crackdown. 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.

“Authorities must also disclose information about those who have been arrested by security forces whose whereabouts remain unknown.”