Angolan President João Lourenço has removed the minister in charge of economic and social development in response to demonstrations triggered by the government’s decision to terminate fuel subsidies. The statement announced that Manuel Nunes Júnior, an experienced minister and economics professor, has been replaced by José de Lima Massano, the governor of the central bank.
The elimination of subsidies, which Mr. Nunes Júnior stated was intended to reduce government expenditures, became effective on 1 June, resulting in a significant increase in fuel prices. Since then, the oil-rich country has witnessed a series of protests, with additional demonstrations anticipated over the weekend.
In the city of Huambo on Monday, police fired upon a group of protesters, resulting in five fatalities and eight injuries. Angola is among the largest oil exporters in sub-Saharan Africa.
