Seven Dead, Dozens Injured as Angolan Police Shut Down Protest

At least seven people have died and 28 others were injured after a protest by members of the Lunda Tchokwe Protectorate Movement's (LTPM), was stopped by police in  Lunda Norte province. Authorities said the group was armed and that they were planning an attack on a police station, where the movement's flag would be raised. However, LTPM leader José Mateus Zecamutchima denied the allegations, saying they held a peaceful and orderly demonstration aimed at urging the government to meet them to discuss the region's autonomy. Formed in 2007, LTPM is a political group seeking administrative and financial autonomy of the former Tchokwe Kingdom, which comprises provinces of Lunda Norte, Lunda Sul, Moxico and Kuando Kubango. Angola has extensive diamond reserves especially in the provinces of Lunda Norte and Lunda Sul in the north-eastern parts of the country.