A suspected riot broke out in a prison in the capital, Maputo, but some officials denied that the incident was linked to post-election unrest.
A suspected riot inside a prison in Mozambique’s capital has left at least 33 people dead, 15 injured and more than 1,500 prisoners on the run, authorities said.
Police Chief Bernardino Rafael announced on Wednesday that 150 prisoners who escaped from Maputo’s prison had been recaptured.
In Mozambique, civil unrest has intensified over contentious elections in October that extended the long-term ruling party Frelimo’s hold on power. Opposition forces and their supporters claim the vote was rigged.
Mr. Rafael blamed protests outside the prison for inciting the riot, but Justice Minister Helena Kida told local private broadcaster Miramar TV that the riot started inside the prison and was not related to protests outside. said he had nothing to do with it.
“The ensuing clashes left 33 people dead and 15 injured near the prison,” Rafael told a media conference.
The identities of the casualties were unknown.
The prisoners overpowered the guards and seized an AK-47 rifle, allowing them to escape from the correctional facility, the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) reported.
Mozambican journalist Clemente Carlos told the SABC that the fugitives likely took advantage of the Christmas holiday season, when there were fewer security guards than on normal working days.
“This shocking incident raises urgent questions about the security situation and justice system in Mozambique,” Adriano Nubunga, director of the Mozambican Center for Democracy and Human Rights, wrote in X on Wednesday.
“Now more than ever, it is important that authorities, civil society and international partners work together to ensure public safety and address the systemic challenges that have led to this situation.”
Meanwhile, at least 21 people, including two police officers, were confirmed dead in two days of violence over the election results on Monday and Tuesday, including attacks on gas stations, police stations and banks.
The deaths bring the total number of deaths in the country since October 21 to 151, according to election monitoring group Plataforma Decide.
