By : Lloyd Mahachi
A suspected riot erupted inside a jail in Mozambique’s capital, Maputo, leaving at least 33 people dead and 15 injured. The incident occurred amidst escalating civil unrest linked to the country’s disputed election in October, which saw the long-ruling party Frelimo extend its stay in power.
The election results have been widely contested, with opposition groups claiming that the vote was rigged. The protests that have followed have been marked by violence, with at least 21 people killed during two days of unrest. The fatalities include two police officers, and the total death toll in the country has reached 151 since October 21.
The riot inside the jail resulted in the escape of over 1,500 prisoners, with 150 recaptured so far, according to Police General Commander Bernardino Rafael. The prisoners reportedly overpowered guards and seized AK-47 rifles, allowing them to flee the correctional facility.
It’s believed that the escapees took advantage of the Christmas holiday season, when fewer guards were on duty. The incident has raised concerns about the state of security and the justice system in Mozambique. Adriano Nuvunga, director of the Center for Democracy and Human Rights in Mozambique, emphasized the need for collaboration between authorities, civil society, and international partners to ensure public safety and address systemic challenges.
The authorities are still investigating the cause of the riot, with some officials denying any link to the post-election unrest. Justice Minister Helena Kida stated that the unrest started inside the prison and had nothing to do with protests outside. However, Rafael blamed the protests outside the prison for encouraging the riot.
The situation in Mozambique remains tense, with the capital city frozen in a climate of fear and insecurity. The government has deployed security forces to maintain order, but the opposition continues to demand justice and transparency in the electoral process.
The international community has expressed concern over the situation in Mozambique, calling for calm and restraint. The United Nations has urged the government and opposition to engage in dialogue to resolve their differences peacefully.
The crisis in Mozambique has also had regional implications, with neighboring countries expressing concern over the potential for instability to spread. The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has called for an emergency meeting to discuss the situation and potential solutions.
As the situation in Mozambique continues to unfold, it’s clear that the country is facing a critical moment in its history. The government and opposition must work together to find a peaceful resolution to the crisis, and the international community must provide support and guidance to help the country navigate this challenging time.
Editor : Josephine Mahachi
