Angolan political unrest in Uíge province

Tensions escalated in Angola’s Uíge province following an incident on August 8 during commemorations for UNITA founder Jonas Savimbi. The main opposition party, UNITA, accused the National Police of attacking its members and surrounding its headquarters. UNITA officials reported that police used tear gas and live ammunition, resulting in at least two injuries. UNITA President Adalberto Costa Júnior characterized the event as an “atentado contra a vida” (attack against life), while party youth wing Secretary-General Nelito Ekuikui accused the ruling MPLA of using security forces for political competition.

By August 20, UNITA had filed criminal complaints against the Governor of Uíge, José Carvalho da Rocha, and National Police commander Ernesto Hayamunye. UNITA Vice-President Arlete Chimbinda alleged that the police were instrumentalized by the MPLA to disrupt opposition activities through premeditated provocation.

In response, National Police Second Commander-General Orlando Bernardo stated that the intervention was necessary to maintain public order, claiming that UNITA militants gathered in an unauthorized location and refused to move to a site designated by authorities.