• Death toll from Angola's fuel protests has risen to 22.
• More than 1,200 people arrested as violence erupts across the country.
• Protests began following a government decision to increase diesel prices by one-third.
• President João Lourenço's government faces backlash for economic policies.
• Public services overwhelmed as injuries from clashes mount.

The unrest in Angola surrounding the recent fuel price hike has escalated dramatically, with officials reporting at least 22 fatalities, including one police officer. The protests erupted Monday when taxi drivers initiated a three-day strike in response to the government's decision to raise diesel prices by one-third, part of a strategy to reduce costly fuel subsidies, according to Reuters and BBC.

Reports indicate that over 1,200 individuals have been arrested amid widespread clashes, looting, and vandalism that have spread from the capital, Luanda, to other provinces. Emergency services in Luanda are overwhelmed with injuries, leading to fears that the death toll may surpass official figures, as reported by Africanews and Al Jazeera.

In a cabinet meeting held to evaluate the situation, President João Lourenço's administration confirmed 197 injuries and significant property damage, including the destruction of 66 shops and the looting of supermarkets and warehouses. Security has been tightened across Luanda as public transport slowly resumes following the unrest, according to AllAfrica and BBC.

Critics argue that the price hike, aimed at reducing fiscal pressure on the government, is exacerbating the already dire economic situation, where inflation is around 20% and unemployment hovers near 30%. The recent protests reflect deepening discontent towards government economic policies perceived as misaligned with the public's reality. "The government seems to ignore its population," expressed one Luanda resident, highlighting frustrations with economic hardships, according to Africanews and AllAfrica.