Mozambique Prison Riot Leaves 33 Dead, 1,500 Escape

A prison riot in Maputo, Mozambique, has resulted in at least 33 deaths and 15 injuries, with over 1,500 inmates escaping from a maximum-security facility. Police General Commander Bernardino Rafael attributed the unrest to protests outside the prison, while Justice Minister Helena Kida insisted it originated within the jail. The riot is part of escalating civil unrest linked to the disputed October election, which has already claimed 248 lives. Authorities have recaptured about 150 of the escapees, raising concerns about increased crime in the capital. The situation highlights critical issues within Mozambique's justice system and security framework, calling for urgent collaboration among authorities and civil society. This incident follows similar unrest in other prisons, suggesting a troubling pattern of organized protests aimed at freeing inmates.