Mozambique’s capital, Maputo, witnessed a tragic prison riot on Christmas Day, resulting in 33 deaths and 15 injuries. The riot comes amid escalating civil unrest following a controversial Supreme Court ruling confirming the ruling Frelimo party’s victory in the October elections.
Details of the Riot
The violent outbreak occurred at a prison in Maputo, where over 1,534 inmates managed to escape, according to Mozambique’s police general commander, Bernardino Rafael.
Mozambique: Massive Prison Break and Deadly Riots Amid Escalating Unrest https://t.co/BT8GMn8FHJ pic.twitter.com/fsgzvMJlv5
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- Current Status: Authorities have recaptured 150 escapees, but the search continues for others.
- Casualties: The identities of the 33 dead and 15 injured remain unclear.
Conflicting Reports on Riot Causes
Mozambique’s police and justice officials have provided differing accounts of the riot’s cause:
- Police Claim: Rafael suggested that protests outside the prison, linked to political unrest, may have incited the riot.
- Justice Minister’s Statement: Helena Kida emphasized that the riot began internally and was unrelated to external protests.
Wider Political Context
The riot is part of a broader wave of unrest sparked by the disputed election results:
- Mozambique’s Supreme Court recently upheld the ruling Frelimo party’s victory, intensifying opposition protests.
- Casualties from Unrest: Since the unrest began, 130 people have reportedly died in clashes with police, with an additional 21 deaths following the court’s decision.
Security Concerns
Rafael expressed concerns over the impact of the prison escape:
“We are worried as a country. Mozambicans and security forces expect a rise in crime within the next 48 hours.”
Authorities have also reported attempted prison breaks at two other facilities, raising fears of further unrest.
Conclusion
The Christmas Day prison riot in Maputo highlights the fragile state of Mozambique amid ongoing political tensions. With security forces on high alert and political protests showing no signs of abating, the country faces a challenging path ahead to restore order and public confidence
