Massive Prison Break in Mozambique Amid Post-Election Violence
Riots amid Violence in Mozambique Photo: Africa Facts
December 26, 2024 Hour: 6:54 pm
In a dramatic turn of events, at least 6,000 prisoners have escaped from a maximum security prison in Maputo, Mozambique, as the country grapples with widespread riots and violence following the recent elections. Officials reported that thirty-three individuals died during confrontations between escaping inmates and law enforcement.
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Mozambican police chief Bernardino Rafael confirmed that the mass escape occurred on Wednesday amid violent protests triggered by the Constitutional Council’s announcement declaring the ruling Frelimo party as the winner of the October 9 elections. The unrest has led to significant destruction, including attacks on police vehicles and stations, as well as widespread looting of shops.
According to Rafael, the chaos began when inmates at the Maputo Central Prison seized weapons from prison guards and initiated a rebellion. “A curious fact is that in that prison we had 29 convicted terrorists who were released,” he noted, expressing concern for public safety.
The police chief explained that the escape was facilitated by agitation from a group of protesters demanding the release of prisoners, which ultimately resulted in the collapse of a prison wall.
The confrontation between law enforcement and inmates led to tragic outcomes, with Rafael stating that “this confrontation resulted in 33 deaths” and fifteen injuries among both prisoners and security forces. He urged those who escaped to voluntarily surrender and called on citizens to remain vigilant regarding the fugitives.
Videos circulating on social media depict chaotic scenes of prisoners fleeing from the facility, while others show military personnel and prison guards capturing some of those who attempted to hide in nearby homes. One captured inmate, still wearing handcuffs on his right wrist, claimed in an amateur video that he was released by fellow prisoners from the disciplinary section of the maximum security facility.
As Mozambique faces this unprecedented crisis, authorities are working to restore order and ensure public safety amidst ongoing tensions. The situation remains fluid as efforts continue to recapture escaped inmates and address the underlying issues fueling civil unrest in the country.
Autor: OSG
Fuente: DW-Africanews
