protests

The London-based human rights organisation, Amnesty International (AI), has urged the Mozambican police not to use live ammunition to disperse violent demonstrations unless lives are at risk.

AI’s Muluka-Anne Miti, states that, "While we recognise that the police are trying to contain a violent protest, live ammunition - which amounts to lethal force - should not be used except when strictly unavoidable in order to protect life."

Reports from Mozambique say Vodacom group subsidiary Vodacom Mozambique has suspended its clients' SMSing capabilities under orders of that country’s government.

The National Communications Institute of Mozambique (INCM), which regulates telecommunications, sent a letter to Vodacom Mozambique and state operator mCel ordering them to suspend SMSing.

A viral SMS campaign led to price hike riots in Maputo and nearby city Matola during which at least 13 people were killed in clashes between police and protesters.