Wed Dec 25 20:19:24 UTC 2024: ## Prison Riot in Maputo Leaves 33 Dead, Hundreds Escape
**Maputo, Mozambique –** A deadly riot at Maputo Central Prison has left at least 33 dead and 15 injured, with over 1,500 prisoners escaping, Mozambican authorities confirmed Wednesday. While Police General Commander Bernardino Rafael linked the riot to external protests fueled by ongoing post-election unrest, Justice Minister Helena Kida denied any connection, stating the unrest originated within the prison walls.
The escaped prisoners, some reportedly armed with AK-47 rifles seized from guards, took advantage of the reduced guard presence during the Christmas holiday, according to reports. Authorities have since recaptured 150 of the fugitives. The identities of the victims remain unclear.
The incident follows two days of violent protests related to the disputed October elections, which resulted in an additional 21 deaths, including two police officers. These deaths, coupled with the prison riot fatalities, bring the total death toll from post-election violence to at least 151, according to election monitoring group Plataforma Decide.
The riot has raised serious concerns about Mozambique’s security and justice systems. Adriano Nuvunga, director of the Center for Democracy and Human Rights in Mozambique, called for collaboration between authorities, civil society, and international partners to address the underlying issues that contributed to the crisis. The situation underscores the escalating instability in the country following the contested elections.
First Piper 