Deaths in Mozambique price riots

Violent protests over high food prices in Mozambique have left at least 10 people dead and more than 440 people wounded. In the latest clashes, which began on Wednesday, three police officers were injured in fighting with demonstrators in Maputo, the capital, on Friday evening. Police have used rubber bullets and tear gas against protesters but no incidents were reported overnight and the situation was said to be quiet on Saturday. Thousands of people have been angered by a 30 per cent increase in the price of bread and higher electricity and water tariffs. Severe droughts in Russia and eastern Europe have caused worldwide wheat prices to rise and are partly responsible for Mozambique's higher living costs. Mozambique is also heavily dependent on imports from South Africa, which have become more expensive in recent months as the South African rand currency has strengthened.