Mozambique’s Prime Minister has urged the new director-general of the National Prison Service to reduce overcrowding and improve conditions in prisons, emphasizing rehabilitation efforts. Recent incidents of mass escapes amid social unrest stress the urgency for reform. These reforms are crucial in ensuring humane treatment and safety within the country’s prison facilities.
In a recent ceremony in Maputo, Mozambique’s Prime Minister, Maria Benvida Levi, urged the new director-general of the National Prison Service (SERNAP), Ilídio Miguel, to address the persistent issue of overcrowding in prisons and improve conditions for inmates. This statement follows the swearing-in of Miguel, highlighting overcrowding as a critical concern for the country’s penal system.
Prime Minister Levi emphasized the need for enhanced prison conditions and the welfare of prison staff. She advocated for comprehensive rehabilitation and reintegration programs for inmates, reinforcing that the government will support SERNAP by strengthening oversight and aligning policies with human rights principles.
In his inaugural address, Director-General Ilídio Miguel pledged to address prisoner escapes, stating that ensuring security is of paramount importance. He expressed his commitment to evaluating existing conditions to recommend effective security measures while upholding human rights standards within the penal system.
The urgency of these reforms arises from recent alarming events, including the December jailbreak where 1,534 inmates escaped during riots, leading to 35 fatalities. Additionally, 200 inmates fled from a facility in Gorongosa following protests over living costs, reflecting ongoing social unrest.
Since October, Mozambique has experienced significant civil disturbances, sparked by contested election results and escalating living costs. While protests have diminished, the violence has claimed at least 353 lives, including children, culminating in substantial property damage and loss of life, as confirmed by various local sources.
The urgent call for reforms in Mozambique’s prison system highlights the government’s commitment to addressing overcrowding and improving humane conditions. Both the Prime Minister and the newly appointed director-general recognize the pressing need for effective oversight, rehabilitation programs, and security enhancements within prisons. The context of social unrest and violence underscores the importance of addressing underlying issues that contribute to the challenges faced by the nation’s penal system.
Original Source: clubofmozambique.com
