On Christmas Day, over 6,000 inmates escaped from a high-security prison in Maputo, Mozambique, amid post-election riots. The escape occurred during violent protests following the ruling Frelimo party’s electoral victory, resulting in numerous deaths and injuries. Authorities urged the public to assist in capturing the fugitives while expressing security concerns related to the release of convicted terrorists.
In a dramatic turn of events on Christmas Day, more than 6,000 inmates escaped from a high-security facility in Maputo, Mozambique, following a violent uprising. The chief of police, Bernardino Rafael, announced that the chaos resulted in the deaths of 33 prisoners, with 15 others sustaining injuries during confrontations with security forces. This mass escape coincided with widespread unrest triggered by the confirmation of the Frelimo party as the victor of the October 9 elections, leading to severe protests across the nation.
The unrest began around midday as a group of protesters incited agitation within the prison. The conditions escalated, allowing inmates to overpower prison officers, seize weapons, and initiate a mass breakout. “A curious fact is that in that prison we had 29 convicted terrorists, who they released. We are worried, as a country,” stated Rafael. The protests, initially aimed at the ruling party’s election outcome, led to significant damage to police vehicles and public infrastructure, culminating in a structural collapse that facilitated the prison break.
Rafael urged the escaped prisoners to surrender voluntarily while advising the public to be vigilant regarding the fugitives. Social media has witnessed a surge in videos depicting the chaotic scenes of the prison escape and subsequent attempts by military personnel to recapture the fleeing inmates. In one instance, a released inmate, still restrained by a handcuff, recounted his ordeal of being freed by his fellow prisoners while highlighting the break’s spurred spontaneity amid the surrounding turmoil.
Mozambique’s political landscape has recently been marred by unrest following the confirmation of the ruling Frelimo party’s victory in the October elections. This situation has provoked widespread protests and violence across the country, with citizens expressing discontent over the electoral process. The atmosphere of tension reached a breaking point at Maputo’s central prison, leading to a tumultuous event that resulted in one of the largest prison escapes in the nation’s history, further complicating an already volatile situation.
The mass escape of over 6,000 inmates from a prison in Maputo represents not only a severe security breach but also highlights the broader social unrest in Mozambique following recent elections. With multiple casualties reported, the situation underscores significant concerns regarding public safety and the implications of such widespread disorder. Authorities have called for the cooperation of the community to assist in the recapture of escaped inmates while encouraging accountability in addressing the underlying issues related to the recent electoral unrest.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
