A violent prison riot in Mozambique’s capital, Maputo, has resulted in 33 deaths and 15 injuries, the country’s police general commander, Bernardino Rafael, confirmed on Tuesday.
The riot occurred against the backdrop of escalating civil unrest following the Constitutional Court’s Monday decision to uphold Frelimo’s disputed victory in October’s elections, triggering nationwide protests.
Police Commander Rafael suggested that protests outside the prison may have fueled the riot. However, Justice Minister Helena Kida disputed this, asserting to local broadcaster Miramar TV that the disturbances originated inside the facility, independent of external demonstrations.
“The confrontations resulted in 33 deaths and 15 injuries in the vicinity of the jail,” Rafael stated during a press briefing.
Amid the chaos, approximately 1,534 inmates escaped from the prison, with 150 recaptured so far. Rafael warned of a potential crime surge within the next 48 hours. Two other prisons also reported attempted breakouts.
Civil society organization Plataforma Decide reported that prior to Tuesday, at least 130 people had died in clashes with police linked to election-related unrest. Interior Minister Arsénia Massingue confirmed an additional 21 fatalities during protests following the court ruling.
The ongoing turmoil underscores Mozambique’s deepening political and security crisis, raising concerns over the country’s stability.
