Prime Minister Maria Benvida Levi has emphasized the need for urgent reforms in Mozambique’s prison system during the appointment of Ilídio Miguel as the new director-general of SERNAP. The discussions centered on reducing overcrowding, improving conditions, and enhancing human rights protocols. These reforms come amidst ongoing unrest in the country, which has resulted in numerous casualties and infrastructure damage.
Maria Benvida Levi, the Prime Minister of Mozambique, addressed the pressing issue of prison overcrowding during the swearing-in ceremony for Ilídio Miguel as the new director-general of the National Prison Service (SERNAP). She remarked, “Despite the ongoing efforts to improve the management of our country’s prisons, prison overcrowding continues to be one of the main challenges facing our system.”
In her remarks, the Prime Minister urged the new director to enhance prison conditions and welfare for staff, while promoting rehabilitation and reintegration programs for inmates. Levi affirmed the government’s commitment to support SERNAP by improving oversight and ensuring adherence to justice and human rights principles in prison policies.
Director-general Ilídio Miguel responded to these challenges, promising to implement measures that would prevent prisoner escapes and enhance security measures. He stated, “We are going to study the existing conditions to make this recommendation to ensure security effective,” pledging to uphold human rights within the prison system.
Recent events underscore the severity of the situation, with a staggering 1,534 inmates escaping from facilities following riots in December 2022, resulting in 35 fatalities. The unrest has continued, with another incident in February leading to the escape of 200 inmates due to local protests against living costs.
Since October 2022, violent protests have erupted across Mozambique, initiated by former presidential candidate Venâncio Mondlane, amidst dissatisfaction over the election results. These protests have culminated in significant casualties, with reports estimating over 353 deaths, including many minors, and substantial damage to infrastructure, as confirmed by the Mozambican government.
The Prime Minister of Mozambique has called for urgent reforms in the nation’s prison system, highlighting overcrowding and poor conditions as major concerns. The new director-general of SERNAP has committed to enhancing security and respecting human rights. The backdrop of recent unrest and significant societal challenges further complicates these efforts, necessitating a collaborative approach to address both prison management and broader social issues.
Original Source: clubofmozambique.com
