Mozambique food price rises 'irreversible'
Loading...
Friday, September 03, 2010
The government of Mozambique says price rises which have led to riots in the capital Maputo are "irreversible".
The comments came after an emergency cabinet meeting on the two days of unrest in which seven people have died.
Troops have been deployed to help clear up the debris while text messages are reported to have been circulating urging people to continue protesting.
The price of bread has risen by about 30% in the past year in Mozambique, one of the world's poorest countries.
Government spokesman Alberto Nkutumula said the cabinet meeting had emphasised "the importance of all citizens to abstain from participating in acts of upheaval, vandalism, looting and violence in general to enable the quick return to normality".
He condemned the violence on the streets of the capital and appealed for people to remain calm, but said the government would not reconsider increasing the price of bread.
"The price hikes are irreversible," he told reporters.
Officials say seven people have been killed in the two days of violence in Maputo and 288 have been wounded. Two of those killed were reported to have been children.
Protesters have also damaged or looted 23 businesses while 12 buses and two train carriages were vandalised, said Mr Nkutumula.