Thousands of Inmates Escape from Mozambique Prison Amid Violent Protests and Post-Election Unrest

In a dramatic turn of events on Christmas Day, at least 6,000 inmates escaped from the high-security Maputo Central Prison in Mozambique following a violent rebellion. The mass escape occurred amidst escalating post-election riots and violence that have gripped the country since the October elections, which saw the ruling Frelimo party confirmed as the winner by the constitutional council.

The head of the Mozambican police, Bernardino Rafael, reported that the prison break began around midday on Wednesday after “agitation” from a group of protesters who had been rallying against the election results. Inmates reportedly seized weapons from prison officers and began freeing fellow detainees. The violence quickly escalated, with protests spilling over into the surrounding areas, resulting in the destruction of police vehicles, stations, and public infrastructure.

Rafael confirmed that 33 prisoners were killed during the ensuing confrontation with security forces, and 15 others were injured. Among those freed were 29 convicted terrorists, raising concerns for national security, according to the police commander. The violence ultimately led to the collapse of a prison wall, facilitating the escape of thousands of inmates.

The unrest is part of a broader wave of violence across Mozambique following the October elections, which have been marked by public protests and clashes between demonstrators and security forces. Videos shared on social media captured the chaotic scenes, showing inmates fleeing the prison while others were quickly apprehended by military personnel and prison guards. Some prisoners sought refuge in nearby homes, but several were caught and detained in subsequent raids.

Rafael has called on the escaped prisoners to voluntarily surrender and urged the public to remain vigilant in reporting sightings of the fugitives. The government is continuing efforts to track down the escapees and restore order in the capital as tensions remain high across the country.