Over 1,500 prisoners escape in Mozambique amid post-election unrest

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
25 Dec 2024 23:50
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A total of 1,534 detainees fled the facility, located about 15 kilometers from the capital.

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A barricade burns Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024 in Mozambique's capital, Maputo, in protests that have engulfed the country after the opposition rejected the results of the country's polls which saw the Frelimo party extend its 58-year rule. (AP Photo/Carlos Uqueio, File)

AFP reported on Wednesday that over 1,500 inmates escaped from a high-security prison near Maputo, Mozambique, as the country entered its third day of unrest following the controversial confirmation of the Frelimo party’s victory in the recent presidential election.

According to national police chief Bernardino Rafael, a total of 1,534 detainees fled the facility, located about 15 kilometers from the capital. In clashes with prison staff during the escape, 33 prisoners were killed, and 15 others were injured. A subsequent search operation, supported by the military, led to the recapture of around 150 fugitives, Rafael announced at a press conference.

Among the escapees were about 30 individuals linked to armed groups responsible for prolonged violence in Cabo Delgado province over the past seven years. "We are particularly concerned about this situation," Rafael stated.

How is Mozambique?

“Today, around 1,534 inmates escaped from the maximum security prison(Aka B.O) in Matola, Maputo province 📍 where during the escape 33 people died in clashes with prison officers, responsible for that prison.” IntegrityMZ

The government has different… pic.twitter.com/a6RhhTiMbp
— Cídia Chissungo (@Cidiachissungo) December 25, 2024

The chaos at the prison was reportedly triggered by groups of demonstrators who gathered outside, creating confusion that enabled inmates to breach a wall and escape. The unrest in Maputo, sparked by the confirmation of Frelimo's electoral victory on Monday, has led to widespread violence, including vandalism, arson, and barricades limiting movement in several areas of the capital.

Election unrest

Protesters have ransacked stores, public buildings, and businesses, with ambulances and a drugstore among the properties set ablaze. In some working-class districts, demonstrators set up tables in the streets to celebrate Christmas with family and neighbors, AFP journalists observed.

The unrest follows the announcement that Frelimo leader Daniel Chapo won 65.17% of the October 9 presidential vote, a result confirmed by the country’s highest court despite allegations of electoral irregularities. Chapo’s main challenger, opposition leader Venancio Mondlane, who is currently in exile, has accused the government of rigging the election, fueling fears of further violence between rival factions.

The turmoil has claimed at least 150 lives so far, according to several NGOs, and has heightened concerns about escalating instability in the Portuguese-speaking African nation.