Archbishop Francisco Chimoio of Maputo in Mozambique has appealed for calm and asked the faithful to pray for the country following clashes that occurred on September 1 and 2 that left 7 people (2 of whom were children) dead and 288 injured.

The protest was sparked by the announcement of the rise in the cost of bread by 30 percent, which was followed by similar increases in electricity and water costs.

The government announced that the increase in the price of bread was "irrevocable."

"The government statement provoked a strong disappointment among the population and it is, therefore, likely that the protests will continue, perhaps in another form," sources told Fides.

The clashes were limited to the capital and in Beira, Mozambique's second largest city where there were demonstrations according to sources.