Over 1,500 inmates have escaped from a prison in Mozambique amid escalating political unrest following controversial election outcomes, according to police reports. The jailbreak coincided with violent clashes that resulted in 33 fatalities and 15 injuries, as detailed by police chief Bernardino Rafael during a press briefing.
In a significant turn of events, approximately 150 fugitives have since been recaptured. Demonstrations surged on Monday after Mozambique’s highest court confirmed that the ruling Frelimo party, which has maintained power since 1975, was victorious in the presidential elections held in October.
On Wednesday, anti-government protesters approached the prison in Maputo, which allowed inmates to exploit the chaos, facilitating their escape by breaching a wall. The nation has been experiencing turmoil since the disputed elections in October, which declared Frelimo’s candidate, Daniel Chapo, as the winner.
Protests reignited on Monday when the constitutional court ruled in favor of Chapo but adjusted the victory margin downwards. Initial results indicated Chapo received 71% of the vote, while his primary opponent, Venâncio Mondlane, secured 20%. The court later revised these figures to a win of 65% for Chapo against Mondlane’s 24%.
Maputo appeared nearly deserted on Christmas Eve, with most businesses closed as residents sought to avoid the unrest that has gripped the city. The violence, described as the worst since Frelimo’s rise to power, has led to widespread looting and vandalism of Frelimo offices, police stations, banks, and factories.
As unrest continues, the interior minister reported over 21 deaths since Monday. Mondlane, who has now fled the country, has called for demonstrations against what he deems a rigged election, warning supporters of a potential “new popular uprising” if the results are not overturned. The past three months of protests have tragically resulted in approximately 150 deaths.
