Mozambique cabinet shuffled after food riots

The health, industry and agriculture ministers were fired as the president's spokesperson said Tuesday that the move was made in order to alleviate the poverty problems in the country.

"President Guebuza's dismissal of ministers will make the government more dynamic and help the search for solutions to the country's problems," said spokesperson Marlene Magaia.

The agriculture chief was replaced by Interior Minister Jose Pacheco after he defended the strong-arm police tactics in stopping the riots.

Pacheco was criticised by Mozambique's main opposition party, the former rebel movement Renamo, because he called for live ammunition to be used against rioters after rubber bullets ran out.

At least 14 people were killed throughout the country in September after the population took to the streets to protest price rises for bread, water and electricity.