Long Read

Cuito Crime Stats: Is This City Actually Getting Safer? (Or Just Better at Hiding the Bodies?)

@Olivia Dawn2/9/2026blog

Okay, so you're asking if Cuito's getting safer? Let me tell you, buddy, I've been here three months, living on instant noodles and questionable street food, and I've seen some stuff. First off, the weather? It's like the air's so thick you could chew it. Seriously, it's humid enough to make your hair curl and your clothes stick to you like a second skin. But hey, at least it keeps the mosquitoes happy, right? And speaking of sticky situations, let's talk crime stats. I found this old report online - yeah, it's from 2022, but it's the best we got. Apparently, violent crime here has dropped by like 15% over the past five years. That sounds great, right? But then you hear the local gossip, the drunk advice you get at the corner bar. 'Yeah, crime's down,' says this guy with a beard that looks like it hasn't seen a razor in weeks, 'but they just moved it to the bus system. You think it's safe? Try taking the 7:30 bus from the market after dark. You'll see some... interesting characters.' And the neighbors? Luanda's just a short drive away, but honestly, I've heard stories about the traffic there that make Cuito look like a Sunday stroll. It's like comparing a sprained ankle to a broken leg, but both hurt. Now, rent. Oh god, rent. I'm paying what feels like half my monthly stipend just for a tiny room in this crumbling building. The report says average rent's around $300-$400 USD. Sounds reasonable, until you realize that's for a place that probably hasn't had a proper paint job since the 80s. And the job market? Let's just say it's... lively. Everyone's hustling. I've seen more people selling phone chargers on the street than actual tech jobs. But hey, that's Cuito for you. So, is it safer? Maybe, statistically. But walk down any street after dark, and you'll see the reality doesn't always match the spreadsheet. Check out the local subreddit, r/CuitoLife, for some real talk: https://www.reddit.com/r/CuitoLife/ . Or if you want the tourist perspective, TripAdvisor has some... colorful reviews: https://www.tripadvisor.com/ . And for the local flavor, Yelp's got the lowdown on the best (and worst) spots: https://www.yelp.com/ . Just remember, if you're looking for safety, maybe stick to the well-lit areas and avoid the bus at night. Unless you're into that kind of adventure. [Embed Map]

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Cuito street scene at dusk, slightly hazy

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A bustling local market in Cuito


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About the author: Olivia Dawn

Writing with intent and a dash of humor.

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