6,000 Prisoners Escape from Maximum Security Facility Amid Violent Protests in Mozambique

6,000 Prisoners Escape from Maximum Security Facility Amid Violent Protests in Mozambique

At least 6,000 prisoners have escaped from a maximum-security facility in Mozambique’s capital, Maputo, as the country is gripped by violent protests and civil unrest following the controversial October 9 election. The mass breakout occurred on Wednesday after a rebellion at the Maputo Central Prison, coinciding with escalating protests over the election results, which saw the ruling Frelimo party, in power for decades, confirmed as the victor by Mozambique’s Constitutional Council.

Mozambican police chief Bernardino Rafael confirmed the breakout, stating that the prisoners overpowered prison guards, seized weapons, and began freeing other detainees. The violent protests, which erupted in various parts of the country following the election’s outcome, have seen widespread destruction, including attacks on police cars, police stations, and public infrastructure. Reports also indicate widespread looting of shops in the capital and surrounding areas.

Rafael expressed particular concern over the escape of 29 prisoners convicted of terrorism-related charges, describing the incident as a serious threat to national security. “We are worried, as a country, as Mozambicans, as members of the defense and security forces,” Rafael stated. “The escape of these terrorists poses a grave risk to public safety.”

The incident unfolded around midday at the Maputo Central Prison, located about 14 kilometers (nearly 9 miles) southwest of the capital. Police officials suggested that the escape was sparked by nearby protests, with demonstrators calling for the release of political prisoners held in the facility. During the protests, a wall at the prison collapsed, enabling the inmates to escape. “They (protesters) were making noise demanding that they be able to remove the prisoners who are there serving their sentences,” Rafael explained.

The confrontation with security forces resulted in at least 33 deaths, including 15 injured individuals, following direct clashes with the escaping prisoners. Videos circulating on social media show the moment the prisoners fled the facility, with some of the escapees attempting to hide in nearby homes to evade capture. However, several were quickly detained by military personnel and prison guards. In one amateur video, a prisoner who still has handcuffs on one wrist is seen explaining that he was in the disciplinary section of the prison and was freed by fellow inmates.

The national security situation remains critical, with authorities calling on the public to be vigilant and report any sightings of the escaped prisoners. The government has urged the prisoners to surrender voluntarily, although there is mounting concern over the potential for further violence and instability.

The mass prison break is a direct consequence of the deep political unrest that has gripped Mozambique in the wake of the disputed election. Opposition groups, led by candidate Venâncio Mondlane, have rejected the election results, accusing the Frelimo party of electoral fraud. The ongoing protests have destabilized the country, putting a strain on the government and security forces.

With the escape of dangerous prisoners and the increasing scale of violence, Mozambique faces an intensifying humanitarian and security crisis. The international community is closely monitoring the situation, with calls for dialogue and peaceful resolution growing louder as the conflict continues to escalate.

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