Angola: Activists to stage protests at locations across Angola, Jan. 9 /update 1

Event

Activists associated with the civil society group Sociedade Civil Contestaria plan to stage anti-government demonstrations at various locations across Angola, Jan. 9. The purpose of the action is to condemn the leadership of the ruling People's Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA) and to protest a number of social issues. In Luanda, activists will assemble at the Santa Ana Cemetery on Avenida Deolinda Rodrigues at 1100 before marching to Largo de Maio starting at 1300. Related events will also take place in provincial capitals and large towns in Uige, Huambo, Cunene, Cuando Cubango, Huila, and Cuanza Norte. Demonstrations could also occur in other locations nationwide.

Security forces will almost certainly deploy to monitor the protests and manage traffic. While organizers have called for the demonstrations to remain peaceful, clashes between activists and security forces cannot be ruled out. Police forcibly dispersed a related anti-government protest organized by the same group in Cabinda Nov. 28 and arrested nine of the participants. Localized road travel disruptions near the protest site are likely.

Advice

Avoid all demonstrations that may materialize Jan. 9. Allow additional time to reach destinations near protest venues. If violence breaks out, leave the area immediately, and take shelter in a secure, non-governmental building.