Mozambique police were on alert yesterday after days of riots over food prices, as calls for renewed protests were circulated via mobile phone text messages.

While calm prevailed in Maputo, the capital, the anonymous messages urged people to resume demonstrations today.

Silvia Mahumane, a Maputo police spokesman, said: "We are prepared, in terms of the force that is on the ground, to control the situation. We will continue to monitor the situation.

"The situation is calm now. There have been no incidents reported in connection with unrest," she said.

On Wednesday, riots erupted in Maputo and surrounding areas as people blocked roads with burning tyres in protest against high fuel and food prices.

Rioting spread to several towns in central parts of the country, resulting in deadly clashes with the police.

Ten people died and more than 400 were injured before calm returned on Saturday.

Americo Ubisse, who heads the Red Cross operation in the country, said yesterday: "Tomorrow we will take preventative measures so that we are not taken by surprise if violence starts again. Even today teams are ready."

On Saturday, markets and shops around the city re-opened for the first time as people rushed to stock up on food.

In 2008, riots paralysed the poor southern African country and six people were killed when angry citizens took to the streets to protest against a public transport fare increase.