Luanda: The Angolan government announced on Friday that it will implement measures to support companies affected by the recent wave of vandalism and looting that occurred during a three-day taxi drivers' strike in the country.
According to Angola Press News Agency, President Joo Louren§o stated that the measures will be approved on Monday and are intended to facilitate the rapid replenishment of stocks and the preservation of jobs that were jeopardized during the riots. Preliminary data from the Association of Modern Trade and Distribution Companies of Angola (Ecodima) reveal that six retail chains were vandalized, affecting a total of 91 sales units, while 24 others reported attempted vandalism in the cities of Luanda and Malanje.
In a national address, President Louren§o emphasized that this incident underscores the importance of educating Angola's youth within the family, school, and community, rather than relying on social media platforms. He highlighted the ongoing need for efforts by the state, family, churches, and civil society organizations to improve civic, moral, and academic education for the nation's adolescents and young adults.
The president described the orchestrators of the criminal acts as "defeated," noting that the situation has prompted both the government and society to consider preventive measures and effective responses to minimize future damage to people and property. Louren§o condemned the criminal acts, which, according to the latest data, resulted in the deaths of 30 individuals and injuries to 277 others, along with over 1,500 arrests.
Expressing his condolences, President Louren§o lamented the loss of lives and extended his sympathies to the affected families, wishing a swift recovery for those injured during the unrest.
