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Angola in Turmoil as Four Killed, 500 Arrested in Violent Protests

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Angola in Turmoil as Four Killed, 500 Arrested in Violent Protests

 

Violence erupted in Angola’s capital city, Luanda, on Monday as thousands of protesters took to the streets to demonstrate against rising petrol prices.

 

The protests, which began as a three-day strike by taxi drivers, have escalated into one of the most widespread and disruptive waves of protest the country has seen in recent years.

 

According to eyewitnesses, roads were blocked, shops were looted, cars were destroyed, and clashes broke out between demonstrators and police.

 

The situation worsened at night, with reports of gunfire in parts of the capital.

 

As of Tuesday, pockets of protests continued in Luanda, with further clashes with police and more looting of shops.

 

Demonstrations have also spread to the central city of Huambo.

 

The protests were sparked by the government’s decision to raise the price of diesel by over 33%, a measure introduced in early July as part of plans to remove fuel subsidies in the oil-rich nation.

 

This move has resulted in higher fares for urban Angolans who rely on taxis and has also driven up the price of staple foods and other basics.

 

A prominent local activist, Laura Macedo, told the BBC that the fuel price issue is just the last straw that has reignited widespread public discontent.

 

“People are fed up. Hunger is rife, and the poor are becoming miserable,” she said.

 

However, President João Lourenço has dismissed such concerns, saying that protesters are using petrol prices as a pretext to undermine the government.

 

He pointed out that even after the increase, the price of diesel in Angola remains around 40 US cents per litre, and there are not many countries in the world with prices this low.

 

The average monthly wage in Angola is just 70,000 kwanzas ($75; £56), and a promise by the presidency to increase this to 100,000 kwanzas has not materialized.

 

As frustrations spilled over Monday, groups of protesters took to the streets in various parts of Luanda, chanting against fuel price increases, nearly five decades of rule by the governing MPLA party, and expressing their frustration with the country’s current state of affairs.

 

The state-run media in Angola came under heavy criticism on social media for continuing with its regular programming and failing to cover the demonstrations.

 

The MPLA warned young people not to join the protests and said that these “acts of vandalism are deliberately intended to tarnish and hinder the joyful celebration” of Angola’s 50th anniversary of independence.

 

According to local authorities in Luanda, the strike originally announced by taxi organizations had been called off following negotiations with authorities.

 

However, “groups of unidentified individuals, without any legitimate representation of the taxi sector, resumed the call for strike actions, promoting intimidation and violence, including attacks on vehicles circulating on public roads, even those not providing taxi services”.

 

A major taxi association, Anata, has distanced itself from the violence but vowed to continue the three-day strike, saying “the voice of the taxi drivers reflects the outcry of the Angolan people”.

 

As of Tuesday, major shops, banks, and other businesses have remained closed.

 

Some civil servants have returned to work, but many people who work for private companies have stayed at home on the advice of their employers.

 

Police warn they are patrolling the streets and will continue to “intervene where there are still disturbances” to “re-establish public order and peace”.

 

The situation remains tense, and it is unclear how the government will respond to the protests.

 

Four people have been killed, and 500 have been arrested in connection with the protests, according to police.

 

The protests have brought the city to a standstill, and it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold.

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Diaspora Watch – Vol. 98

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Diaspora Watch Newspaper is pleased to announce the release of its 98th edition, presenting readers with another rich blend of impactful stories, insightful analyses and inspiring human-interest features from across the world.

Leading this edition is the heartwarming cover story, “Godchildren Honour Emmanuel and Joy Ojiribe at 40th Anniversary Celebration in US,” which chronicles the remarkable legacy of love, faith, mentorship and family built over four decades by the celebrated couple, culminating in a memorable celebration attended by loved ones and admirers.

Diaspora Watch FREE Digital View: https://diasporawatch.com/3d-flip-book/diaspora-watch-vol-98/

On Demand Print: https://www.magcloud.com/browse/issue/3359332?__r=1069759

SUBSCRIBE TO DIASPORA WATCH NOW ON THE LINK BELOW!!!
https://diasporawatch.com/subscribe-to-diaspora-watch-newspaper/

 

The edition also brings readers up to speed on major international developments, including US President Donald Trump’s announcement of an Intel-Apple chip deal, Ghana’s move towards a local takeover of Gold Fields’ Tarkwa mine, CARICOM’s renewed commitment to improving citizens’ lives under incoming Chair Pierre, the possibility of cocoa prices rising above $10,000 per tonne once again, a comprehensive 14-Point Roadmap to De-escalation and Reconstruction, Singapore’s impressive 38.4 per cent growth in non-oil exports driven by artificial intelligence, and warnings from Kew scientists that AI and digitalization could play a crucial role in preventing global plant extinction.

On the back page, readers will find the inspiring story of Adenugba, who has been honored with the African Diaspora Fashion Platform Award, recognizing excellence, creativity and outstanding contributions to fashion within the global African diaspora community.

As always, Diaspora Watch Newspaper remains committed to delivering credible journalism, promoting African excellence, strengthening diaspora engagement and providing readers with balanced perspectives on global affairs, business, innovation and development.

The 98th edition is now available to readers across print and digital platforms. We invite everyone to pick up a copy and stay informed on the stories shaping Africa, the diaspora and the wider world.

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SpaceX to join Nasdaq-100 index July 7

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Chamber Of Progress Urges Elon Musk To Take X Leadership Seriously Or Resign Amid Social Media-Fueled Violence

SpaceX to join Nasdaq-100 index July 7

 

SpaceX will be added to the Nasdaq-100 Index on July 7, following confirmation by exchange operator Nasdaq, a move expected to trigger a surge in passive investment into the aerospace and artificial intelligence company.

 

The inclusion means exchange-traded funds and other investment vehicles that track the tech-heavy Nasdaq-100 Index will be required to purchase SpaceX shares, a development that typically boosts demand and supports a company’s stock price.

 

SpaceX, founded by billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk, made its Nasdaq debut on June 12 and has experienced volatile financial performance in recent years, alternating between periods of losses and modest profits.

 

The company reported a net loss of $4.9bn in its most recent financial year, underscoring the challenges it continues to face despite strong investor interest in its space technology and artificial intelligence businesses.

 

The company’s addition to the index comes after Nasdaq, alongside other major index providers including FTSE Russell and MSCI, eased some of its listing eligibility requirements in an effort to attract more companies seeking to list on U.S. exchanges.

 

The revised criteria include changes to profitability requirements, the waiting period after a company’s initial public offering and the number of publicly traded shares required for inclusion in certain indices.

 

Meanwhile, S&P Global has maintained a more cautious approach.

 

The index provider said earlier this month that it would not alter its eligibility requirements for SpaceX to join its flagship indices, including the benchmark S&P 500.

 

According to S&P Global, the company will not be considered for inclusion in the S&P 500 until it has been publicly listed for at least 12 months.

 

The development comes as other leading artificial intelligence firms, including OpenAI and Anthropic, are widely expected to pursue initial public offerings either later this year or in 2027, with analysts projecting valuations exceeding $1tn.

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Uzodimma Backs FLAC, Urges Nigerians to Unite Against Cancer 

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Uzodimma Backs FLAC, Urges Nigerians to Unite Against Cancer 

 

Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting the First Ladies Against Cancer, FLAC Nigeria, while calling on Nigerians to join efforts to combat cancer through increased awareness, early detection and sustained advocacy.

 

The governor made the pledge during a courtesy visit by members of FLAC and later at a gala night organised in their honour at the Government House in Owerri.

 

Speaking at the event, Uzodimma commended the organisation for its humanitarian interventions and contributions to improving cancer prevention, treatment and care across the country.

 

“I am excited to host you in Imo State and I commend your humanitarian services in Nigeria,” the governor said, assuring the delegation of his administration’s continued support for the organisation’s programmes.

 

He described Imo as the hospitality capital of the South-East and welcomed the delegates on behalf of the state government and people, assuring them of their safety during their stay.

 

The event also featured emotional testimonies from cancer survivors, including men, women and children, who recounted their experiences with the disease while encouraging Nigerians to embrace early screening and treatment.

 

Addressing guests at the gala night, Uzodimma stressed that the fight against cancer requires collective action, public education and efforts to eliminate the stigma associated with the disease.

 

He also lauded the President Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government for its investments in cancer prevention, treatment and palliative care, urging Nigerians to support ongoing reforms in the health sector.

 

“We need a new Nigeria where everyone participates in nation-building,” the governor said, adding that early detection remains critical to improving survival rates among cancer patients.

 

Earlier, the Chairperson of FLAC Nigeria and wife of the Imo State Governor, Mrs Chioma Uzodimma, said the delegation visited to appreciate the governor for his consistent support for the organisation’s advocacy and activities.

 

She explained that FLAC, whose membership comprises serving and former first ladies across the country, marks Cancer Survivors Month every June to celebrate survivors, inspire hope and raise awareness about the disease.

 

She described the governor as “a special friend of FLAC” and presented him with an award on behalf of the organisation in recognition of his support for its mission.

 

The gala night featured musical performances, a fashion parade by cancer survivors, comedy, cake cutting, presentation of gifts to survivors and a fundraising session to support the organisation’s advocacy programmes.

 

Mrs Uzodimma disclosed that more than N100m was raised during the fundraising to support FLAC’s ongoing cancer awareness and advocacy initiatives.

 

The delegation included the wives of the governors of Adamawa, Zamfara and Ogun states, Hajia Lami Fintiri, Hajia Huriyya Lawal and Mrs Bamidele Abiodun; immediate past FLAC Chairperson, Dr Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu; former First Lady of Niger State, Dr Amina Abubakar; and former First Lady of Oyo State and ambassador-designate, Dr Florence Ajumobi, among other dignitaries.

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