Mass Prison Break in Mozambique Amid Escalating Election Protests

Political turmoil in Mozambique leads to a significant prison break, with more than 1,500 inmates fleeing during violent protests against the ruling party's election victory. The situation remains critical as clashes with authorities continue and casualties rise.

In a dramatic turn of events in Mozambique, over 1,500 inmates have escaped from a prison in Maputo, fueled by violent protests triggered by contentious election results. According to police reports, at least 33 individuals were killed, and 15 others were injured during clashes with prison guards during the unrest. Police Chief Bernardino Rafael revealed that some 150 fugitives have since been recaptured.

The protests erupted earlier this week following the Mozambique Constitutional Court's confirmation that the long-standing ruling party, Frelimo, had secured its victory in the recent presidential elections, which had already been met with skepticism by opposition supporters. The court's ruling reviewed the election margins, stating that Frelimo’s candidate, Daniel Chapo, won 65% of the votes—a revised figure from the earlier stated 71%. His main rival, Venâncio Mondlane, received 24%.

As conditions worsened, anti-government protesters approached the Maputo prison on Wednesday. Taking advantage of the protests, prisoners managed to breach the facility's walls. Reports indicate that the unrest escalated significantly since Monday, with widespread looting and attacks on government properties. The city has turned desolate, marked by closed businesses and frightened citizens avoiding the streets amid escalating violence.

With over 150 fatalities reported in three months since the troubling elections, the unrest shows no signs of abating. Mondlane, who has fled the country, has urged sympathizers to resist what he terms a rigged electoral process, invoking potential calls for a "new popular uprising" if the election outcomes remain unchallenged. This volatile situation poses a significant threat to Mozambique, already under strain from political discontent and social unrest.