Africa-Press – Angola. The “blue and white” minibus taxi resumed their normal service on the streets of Luanda and Ícolo e Bengo on Thursday after a 3-day strike marked by riots and severe restrictions on public transportation.
The strike, which began on Monday (July 28), was motivated by demands from taxi drivers, organized in cooperatives and associations, against the increase in fuel prices.
During the three consecutive days of the strike, numerous disturbances occurred in various parts of the capital, particularly in outskirts where barricades were erected, tires were set on fire, and episodes of looting, pillaging, and vandalism of public and private property occurred.
In Ícolo and Bengo, the tension was also felt in the municipalities of Calumbo, Sequele and Catete, with clashes between protesters and law enforcement forces resulting in arrests and injuries.
With the end of the strike, hundreds of taxis resumed service in the early hours of Thursday, with the satisfaction of users at the city’s main stops evident.
Marta Lourenço, a civil servant living in Zango, expressed relief and contentment with the return of taxis, highlighting the importance of the service for daily mobility.
“These days have been very difficult; I had to miss work due to transportation restrictions and clashes between citizens and police. I’m relieved to see taxis back on the streets,” she said.
According to official data, 22 deaths, 197 injuries, and more than 1,200 people were arrested during the unrest that followed the taxi service shutdown.
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