MAPUTO, Mozambique — Youths in Mozambique's capital have burned tires and attacked motorists over hikes in bus fees.

Witnesses said there had been some arrests after Thursday's protests in Maputo. However, police could not be immediately reached for comment.

Jose Damiao, a spokesman for the governing Frelimo party, spoke on state-run radio Thursday and urged people to be peaceful and assist police in their investigations into the violence.

The protests began after an announcement that some bus fares in the region would be increased from 7.5 meticais (25 U.S. cents) to 9 meticais (30 U.S. cents).

Mozambique was left in ruins by a civil war that broke out after independence from Portugal in 1975 and lasted for 17 years.

The country is now registering economic growth, but many of the population remain poor.