Anti-price rise riots in Mozambique that claimed 13 lives forced the government to reverse the increase in the price of bread.
Planning Minister Aiuba Cuereneia said on Tuesday that the government would introduce a subsidy to maintain the previous price of bread. He also pledged to restore some subsidies for electricity and water, which would make them less costly.
Police dealt heavily with rioters protesting hiked food and fuel prices in Mozambique cities of Maputo and Matola last week.
Widespread disorder was reported in the capital of the southeastern African country, where bank and power company offices were attacked and food godowns of the Sasseka and Delta Trading distribution companies were ransacked.
Rioters threw stones at officers and blocked roads on the outskirts of Maputo ignoring warning. About 400 people were detained and 13 rioters killed when police opened fire to quell the violence. The casualties included children.
The cost of essential food items, fuel, water, and cement rose considerably in recent weeks in Mozambique as the value of the national currency, the Metical (MZN), fell against the South African rand.
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