A rights group has asked the authorities in Angola to respect the right to protest ahead of planned demonstrations on Wednesday against the high cost of living and electoral reforms.

Violent anti-government protests rocked the capital, Luanda, last month leading to the arrest of at least 100 people.

Amnesty International’s Deputy Regional Director for Southern Africa Muleya Mwananyanda said the right to peaceful assembly is protected by the Angolan constitution and international treaties ratified by the country.

“Amnesty will be monitoring the situation closely, and documenting any human rights violations. Staging a protest is not a crime," she said.

The protesters are expected to meet at a parking lot in the capital, Luanda, and proceed to 1st of May square.