Angola’s Government Must Address the Root Causes of Street Traders’ Grievances

Angolan Police Violently Disperse Street Traders’ Protest, Sparking Outcry

On June 2, 2023, reports of excessive and unnecessary force used by Angolan police to disband a peaceful protest by women street traders, known locally as “zungueiras,” in the capital, Luanda, sparked international outcry. The vendors were protesting the city’s decision to reorganize informal street markets in some areas of the capital. Instead of helping the protesters to march safely, the police used dogs and tear gas to disperse the protesters. According to witnesses, several people were injured as they tried to flee from the tear gas and officers beating them with batons. The use of force by the authorities against peaceful protesters is a violation of their human rights and should not be tolerated.

A Long History of Abuses

Angola has a long history of mistreatment and abuses against street vendors, particularly women. In 2013, Human Rights Watch documented how local authorities and security forces mistreated vendors, including women with children, during operations to force them off the streets. Reports of police brutality against street traders continued in 2019 and 2022, with the police fatally shooting two women during arguments between street vendors and Luanda trade inspectors. The Angolan government must ensure that any efforts to ban or regulate street trade are conducted with full respect for human rights.

The United Nations Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials

The United Nations Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials provide that officers may only use force when strictly necessary, acting in proportion to the seriousness of the offense and the legitimate objective to be achieved. Therefore, the use of tear gas, dogs, and batons to disperse peaceful protesters is not justified and is contrary to international law.

Advice and Conclusion

The Angolan government should investigate and hold accountable those who are found to be violating the law and committing abuses. Street trade provides income to a significant portion of the Angolan population, often helping those who are most vulnerable to poverty and unemployment. The government must recognize the importance of street vendors and work to create more formal and safe opportunities for street trade, while respecting their human rights and rights to peaceful assembly.

Countries worldwide must recognize that peaceful protests are an essential element of democracy and must respect the rights of their citizens to assemble, protest, and speak out against injustice. The international community, including the United Nations and human rights organizations, must hold governments accountable for their human rights abuses and continue to advocate for justice and accountability.

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