Angolan youth frustrations could grow

Significance

Both reflecting and channelling recent localised protests about various issues, this movement of non-party youth has become a focal point for growing frustration with President Joao Lourenco’s government. With wide appeal, the movement has also taken both the ruling and opposition parties by surprise.

Impacts

• The demonstrations will make it more challenging for the MPLA to win local elections if, and when, they are held.
• UNITA will struggle to maintain its current balancing act of backing the protests but not wanting to appear to foment unrest.
• Parliamentary consensus on the remaining bills for local elections may prove elusive: the MPLA will likely insist on contentious provisions.