LUANDA, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- Angolan President Joao Lourenco on Friday expressed deep sorrow over the loss of life and destruction caused by three days of unrest, vandalism, and looting that followed a taxi drivers' strike beginning on July 28.

In a televised address, Lourenco extended condolences to the families of the 30 people killed and wished a swift recovery to the 277 injured. He praised the prompt response of law enforcement, judicial authorities, and health professionals, and thanked political parties, religious institutions, and civil society for condemning the barbarity witnessed in recent days.

The president denounced the violence as criminal acts orchestrated by irresponsible individuals manipulated by anti-patriotic groups. He warned that such actions amounted to economic sabotage, exacerbating social hardship by disrupting the supply of essential goods, destroying jobs, and deterring private investment.

While affirming that the right to strike and demonstrate is protected under the constitution when exercised peacefully, Lourenco condemned the coercion of non-striking citizens and the destruction of public and private property.

He reaffirmed the government's commitment to job creation, infrastructure development, and social investment, and called for stronger collaboration with the private sector, cooperatives, and self-employed workers.

The president also announced that the government will approve measures on Monday to help vandalized businesses replenish stocks and safeguard jobs. According to industry data, six major retail chains and 91 sales units were damaged, while 24 other companies reported attempted vandalism in Luanda and Malanje provinces.

Lourenco urged families, schools, churches, and civil society to intensify civic and moral education for young people, warning that social media should not replace responsible upbringing. He called for national unity and vigilance to prevent future unrest, pledging that those responsible will be held accountable. ■