On January 30, a killing ensued by security forces of at least 10 unarmed protesters on during a protest organized by the Lunda Tchokwe Protectorate Movement in Lunda Norte province. A call for a through investigation is in place. According to Four witnesses, Angolan security forces indiscriminately fired at protesters who had peacefully gathered to demand better public services, including water and electricity supply, in the diamond-rich town of Cafunfu. The police reported six dead, 20 injured, and 16 detained. The police also considered the group an ‘armed rebellion organized by the Lunda Tchokwe Protectorate Movement’ although it was peaceful. They did not give a reason for their incentive to fire rounds. Furthermore, a graphic video footage shared on social media shows uniformed Angolan police officers and soldiers walking among the dead and injured on a road. A police officer kicks an unarmed man, then steps on his head. Angolan police chief claims that the group was trying to break into a police station, however, several witnesses counteract this claim. Although the police claimed six were killed, at least 10 people have been found dead.
This article discussing this sad event is crucial to public awareness and support. Putting this article in the news sets the eye of the public on the matter, therefore putting more urgency on the resolution and prevention of further incidents. With more public awareness, calls for reformation to prevent further matters could come into place, with more support from civilians. For the region, this could mean a change in how police matters are handled. If the government rejects these requests, we could see a rebellion against the government that could end in a number of different ways.
Which category of international relations does this issue fall under? Most would first categorize it under ‘international security’, but this specific issue does not reside outside of the country. I, therefore, would categorize it under ‘international development’, because the issue deals with rights, quality of life, and inequality. The basic human rights of the protesters were violated with the killings performed by the Angolan police. This matter will either require self-reformation or help from another nation.