Anti-riot police disrupt protest in Malema

Anti-riot police officers disrupted a protest in Malema -- which is located in the northern Nampula province -- on 18 November 2008. At least 2,000 former seasonal workers of the now defunct Malema Tobacco Company gathered to demand compensation that they claim the government still owes them. Reports indicate that the demonstrators were armed with spears, machetes and clubs. Anti-riot police officers attempted to peacefully disperse the crowd, but the demonstrators instead attacked the police officers, who responded with tear gas and rubber bullets. At least 20 protesters were arrested and an additional 10 people -- including civilians who were not part of the protest group -- were injured in the incident. All shops and public institutions in the city closed during the riot, but reopened when calm was restored to the city. The authorities are currently searching for the organizer of the protest, who fled the scene during the commotion; he faces charges of inciting public violence.