Health Alliance International

Update on Protests in Mozambique Over Price Hikes

Posted: Sep 03, 2010 · Posted by: Health Alliance International

There have been several days of protests this week in the Mozambican capital, Maputo, because of price increases for basic items like bread, water and electricity. The most recent estimates are that ten people have died in clashes between protesters and police, and hundreds injured.

As of today (Friday), Maputo is reportedly calm, although some rioting has been reported in the city of Chimoio, the capital of Manica Province in central Mozambique. Staff in our Chimoio office say that so far the riots there seem less violent and more orderly than those in Maputo. There have also been reports of some demonstrations in Beira, the capital of neighboring Sofala Province, with no casualties. According to news reports, most shops were closed today in Chimoio, while rail lines have reopened going into and out of Maputo.

View some of the BBC's photos from Maputo here.

The riots in Mozambique highlight rising food prices around the world, caused by poor yields in many countries as well as a lower-than-expected wheat crop in Russia this year and export restrictions put in place there. In Mozambique, the recent price increases also reflect adjustment in monetary exchange rates. The last time food shortages and price increases caused major international demonstrations was in 2008 due to high oil prices.

The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization will be meeting within the next few weeks to discuss a response.

In the meantime, about half of the adult population in Mozambique lives in poverty, and almost the same percentage of children suffer from the effects of malnutrition.

We will continue to post updates on the situation in Mozambique as information is available.

Photo: AP