A suspected riot inside a jail in Mozambique's capital has left at least 33 people dead and 15 injured, while more than 1,500 prisoners escaped, authorities said. Police general commander Bernardino Rafael noted that 150 of the prisoners who fled the prison have been recaptured, with some attributing the unrest to post-election tensions, reflecting the widespread discontent after the October elections were deemed disputed.
Mozambican journalist Clemente Carlos suggested the escapees likely took advantage of the Christmas holiday season, when fewer guards were available, and highlighted the need for addressing systemic challenges that facilitated the riot.
Adriano Nuvunga, director of the Center for Democracy and Human Rights in Mozambique, emphasized the urgent necessity for collaboration among authorities, civil society, and international partners to enhance public safety and rectify issues within the justice system.
While police general commander Rafael linked the protests outside the prison to the riot, Justice Minister Helena Kida articulated a conflicting view, stating the unrest originated inside the prison, albeit the two narratives created confusion amidst the ongoing civil unrest.
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