Calm returns to Mozambican capital after food riots kill 7

Maputo - Traffic has returned to normal in the Mozambican capital, Maputo, following two days of riots caused by rising food prices in which at least seven people have been killed and dozens injured.

Associated Press (AP) reported people were not responding to calls for further protests. Digital Journal reported Wednesday that six people had been shot by police. On Thursday South African authorities called on citizens in Mozambique to report to the South African Embassy in the capital. No foreigners are reported killed or missing in the riots. The AP report said the Mozambican economy lost more than three-million US dollars in the two days of violent protests, including property and lost production, a loss it can ill afford. Trade and Industry minister Antonio Fernando said those most affected were thousands of hawkers who ply their trade along the streets of Maputo.