The Times Editorial: Mozambique remained on high alert last night; fearing the return of civilian violence that hit the country's capital last week.

Cellphone messages were being sent around Maputo yesterday, calling for more action over high food and fuel prices.

The lesson from Mozambique is instructive. When the most basic necessities for the poorest citizens become a luxury, the response is a growing anger that explodes into violence.

Here in South Africa we know how easily this anger can spiral out of control. A stark and frightening reminder is the xenophobic violence that occurred across the country two years ago. Then, the frustration of our citizens - against the lack of services such as housing and the pitiful chances of employment - gave rise to a rage against foreigners.

The current civil servants' strike is another uneasy reminder of how the right to protest - within a legal framework - can turn into a frightening anger.

The citizens of Mozambique clearly feel they have endured enough poverty and an economy not left untouched by the global recession. Being asked to accept a bread increase of 30% was just too much to bear. Media reports say similar riots broke out in that country in 2008 when six people were killed in protests against a public transport fare increase.

And while Mozambique has one of the fastest-growing economies in Africa, it still bears the scars of its civil war that only ended in 1992. According to statistics, Mozambique has a 54% unemployment rate and relies heavily on imports from South Africa.

The lesson for South Africa - and for our other neighbours - is clear. When the gap between the rich and poor appears to be an unbridgeable divide, then the dangerous recipe of hunger, frustration and rage will continue bubbling until it explodes.