In an alarming turn of events, over 1,500 prisoners have seized the opportunity to escape from a prison in Maputo, Mozambique, amidst escalating political protests sparked by contentious election results. During violent clashes with prison guards, at least 33 individuals lost their lives, and another 15 sustained injuries, according to police chief Bernardino Rafael, who provided updates in a recent press conference. Demonstrations began erupting on Monday after Mozambique's highest court affirmed the ruling Frelimo party's victory in the October presidential elections, leading to increased tensions in the capital.
Mozambique Prison Break: Over 1,500 Inmates Escape Amid Election Turmoil
Mozambique Prison Break: Over 1,500 Inmates Escape Amid Election Turmoil
Widespread protests have resulted in significant unrest, leading to a massive prison break in Mozambique.
Protests intensified following the court's announcement that President Daniel Chapo's margin of victory had decreased from an initial 71% to 65%, leading discontented citizens to express their frustrations outside the prison. “Groups of anti-government protesters converged at the prison, allowing the inmates to exploit the chaos to break down a wall and flee,” Rafael explained. The political situation in Mozambique has been tumultuous since the October election results, which confirmed Frelimo's longstanding dominance since 1975.
A BBC reporter noted that the streets of Maputo resembled a ghost town during the recent unrest, with businesses shuttered and residents remaining indoors for fear of violence. Numerous Frelimo offices, police stations, factories, and banks have fallen victim to looting and arson across the nation, contributing to a spiraling death toll that has surpassed 150 fatalities since the election period began. Opposition leader Venâncio Mondlane, who has since left Mozambique, has encouraged his supporters to rally against what he deems a fraudulent electoral process. In a provocative social media post over the weekend, he warned that failure to overturn the election results could instigate a "new popular uprising." The situation remains highly volatile as the nation grapples with the aftermath of this political crisis.
A BBC reporter noted that the streets of Maputo resembled a ghost town during the recent unrest, with businesses shuttered and residents remaining indoors for fear of violence. Numerous Frelimo offices, police stations, factories, and banks have fallen victim to looting and arson across the nation, contributing to a spiraling death toll that has surpassed 150 fatalities since the election period began. Opposition leader Venâncio Mondlane, who has since left Mozambique, has encouraged his supporters to rally against what he deems a fraudulent electoral process. In a provocative social media post over the weekend, he warned that failure to overturn the election results could instigate a "new popular uprising." The situation remains highly volatile as the nation grapples with the aftermath of this political crisis.
