A violent prison riot in Mozambique on Thursday has resulted in the deaths of at least 33 inmates and the escape of at least 1,500 from a high-security facility in the capital, Maputo. The incident occurred amid widespread civil unrest following the controversial confirmation of the ruling Frelimo party’s victory in the October elections.
Police Chief Bernardino Rafael reported that the chaos began when prisoners, fuelled by protests outside the prison, overpowered guards and seized weapons, allowing them to facilitate a mass escape. Following the announcement by Mozambique’s Constitutional Council that Frelimo candidate Daniel Chapo had won with 65 percent of the vote, protests erupted across the country, leading to violent confrontations between demonstrators and security forces. These clashes have resulted in significant public property destruction and heightened public safety fears.
During the riot, inmates reportedly took advantage of a lighter security presence during the Christmas holiday period to execute their escape. Videos circulating on social media captured scenes of chaos as prisoners fled the facility, with some attempting to hide in nearby homes. Authorities have since recaptured approximately 150 of those who escaped. The police chief expressed particular concern about the release of 29 convicted terrorists among the escapees, raising alarms about potential threats to national security.
The UN has urged to end post-election violence in Mozambique, emphasizing the need for stability and dialogue in addressing the underlying issues that have led to civil unrest. The UN’s call for restraint comes amid rising fatalities associated with protests and clashes since the elections, with reports indicating that at least 151 people have died since October 21 due to violence linked to electoral disputes.
The background of this situation reveals a long-standing struggle between Mozambique’s ruling party and opposition factions. Since gaining independence from Portugal in 1975, Frelimo has maintained a dominant position in Mozambican politics, often facing accusations of electoral manipulation and suppression of dissent. The recent elections have exacerbated tensions, with many citizens expressing frustration over governance issues, corruption, and economic challenges.
As Mozambique grapples with this crisis, the international community closely monitors developments. The combination of a massive prison break and ongoing civil unrest poses significant challenges for the government as it seeks to restore order and address public grievances.
