Mozambique’s Prime Minister Urges Action to Combat Prison Overcrowding and Improve Inmate Conditions

Mozambique’s Prime Minister Maria Benvida Levi has urged the newly appointed director-general of SERNAP, Ilídio Miguel, to address prison overcrowding and improve conditions for inmates. Despite ongoing reforms, overcrowding persists as a major issue. Recent unrest in the country has led to significant violence and fatalities, underscoring the challenging social climate.

Mozambique’s Prime Minister, Maria Benvida Levi, recently emphasized the urgent need to address prison overcrowding during the swearing-in ceremony of Ilídio Miguel as the new director-general of the National Prison Service (SERNAP). She acknowledged that despite ongoing management improvements, overcrowding remains a significant challenge within the prison system.

The Prime Minister urged the new director to enhance prison conditions and promote rehabilitation and reintegration programs for inmates. “As a government, we will continue to support SERNAP by strengthening oversight mechanisms and ensuring that the sector’s policies are aligned with the principles of justice, security and respect for human rights,” stated Levi.

Ilídio Miguel responded with a commitment to reduce prisoner escapes, affirming that effective security is essential. He promised to evaluate current prison conditions to make necessary recommendations for security improvements while ensuring adherence to human rights within correctional facilities.

In December, Mozambique faced a significant security breach when 1,534 inmates escaped from the Special Maximum Security and Maputo Provincial Penitentiaries during riots, resulting in 35 deaths. Furthermore, unrest continues in the country sparked by protests over electoral results and rising living costs, with reports of violent demonstrations resulting in at least 353 fatalities, including minors, and considerable property damage.

The Prime Minister’s call to action for improved prison conditions indicates a proactive stance in tackling the persistent issue of overcrowding within Mozambique’s correctional facilities. The new director-general’s commitment to enhance security and uphold human rights reflects the government’s determination to reform the prison system amidst ongoing civil unrest and rising public discontent.

Original Source: clubofmozambique.com