Early morning on August 8, the Angolan police’s Rapid Intervention Police surrounded UNITA headquarters in the provincial capital, Uíge, and blocked people from accessing the area, where local authorities had authorized a public rally marking the 92nd birthday of the party’s late founder, Jonas Savimbi. Later in the day, riot police fired tear gas, rubber bullets, and allegedly live ammunition at UNITA members gathered outside their party headquarters. They also charged ahead and breached the party’s office. At least 32 people were injured, including 10 seriously, according to UNITA.
The Angolan police defended the operation as justified to “restore public order and tranquility” and denied using disproportionate force. Police further claimed that there were no significant casualties and announced an investigation into the incident.
UNITA President Adalberto Costa Júnior warned of a “state of war” and growing political intolerance by the ruling MPLA ahead of the August 2027 general elections. He described the events as premeditated, accused the ruling party of prematurely launching its presidential campaign through party propaganda displayed across the city, and denounced municipal authorities for restricting UNITA supporters’ freedom of movement by blocking streets. Costa Júnior also denounced the police response in Uíge as partisan, pointing to their protection of MPLA-affiliated recreational activities in the same area where they had prevented UNITA from holding its own gathering.
