Mass Escape of 6,000 Inmates from Mozambique Prison Amid Post-Election Unrest

On Christmas Day, over 6,000 inmates escaped from Mozambique’s Maputo Central Prison during violent protests following the election results. The rebellion resulted in 33 deaths and significant property damage as prisoners seized weapons from guards. Authorities are urging the public to report sightings of the escapees, which include convicted terrorists.

On Christmas Day, a staggering 6,000 inmates escaped from the Maputo Central Prison in Mozambique’s capital during a violent uprising, as reported by the nation’s police chief, Bernardino Rafael. This mass escape coincided with widespread riots following the country’s elections, which recently declared the ruling Frelimo party as the victor. The rebellion was marked by destructive protests that led to the storming of the prison, resulting in the tragic deaths of thirty-three prisoners and injuries to fifteen others as they clashed with security forces.

Utilizing this chaos, many of the escapees, including 29 convicted terrorists, managed to abscond after seizing weapons from prison guards amidst the disturbances. Rafael characterized the protesters as a group of “subversive” individuals whose actions contributed to the downfall of a prison wall, facilitating the liberation of the inmates. Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and report any sighting of these fugitives. In an amateur video, one prisoner described his release from the disciplinary section of the prison, highlighting the jailbreak’s intensity.

This incident occurs in the context of Mozambique’s post-election turmoil, which was triggered by protests against the Constitutional Council’s decision to uphold the ruling party’s election results from October 9. The unrest has led to property destruction and has heightened tensions within the community, creating a volatile environment that has allowed for such an unprecedented escape from a high-security facility. The lack of control amid the public disorder raises significant concerns about safety and security in the nation, particularly with numerous violent offenders now at large.

The escape of 6,000 inmates from a high-security prison amidst escalating post-election violence highlights the fragility of law and order in Mozambique. With fatalities reported and serious concerns regarding public safety, authorities are faced with the daunting challenge of recapturing the escapees while ensuring the wider community’s safety. As the situation develops, the response from law enforcement and the community will be crucial in addressing this crisis effectively.

Original Source: apnews.com