At Least 6,000 Inmates Escape From Mozambique Prison on Christmas Day

What's New

Thousands of prisoners escaped from a high-security facility in Mozambique's capital on Christmas Day, the country's police chief confirmed as riots and violence linked to post-election disputes continue to spread nationwide.

Thirty-three inmates were killed and 15 others sustained injuries during a violent clash with security forces, Mozambique's police chief Bernardino Rafael announced.

Why It Matters

The mass prison break occurred amid violent protests that have left police vehicles, stations and public infrastructure in ruins. The unrest erupted following the Constitutional Council's confirmation of the ruling Frelimo party's victory in the October 9 elections.

What To Know

The breakout at Maputo Central Prison, situated about 14 kilometers southwest of the capital, began midday Wednesday, according to police chief Bernardino Rafael. He said the chaos was sparked by "agitation" from a group of "subversive protesters" nearby. In the ensuing turmoil, inmates reportedly seized weapons from prison guards and began releasing fellow detainees.

This image shows a burning barricade in Mozambique's capital, Maputo, on November 5, 2024. On Wednesday, at least 6,000 prisoners escaped from a prison in Maputo. AP Photo/Carlos Uqueio/AP Photo/Carlos Uqueio

Videos shared on social media captured inmates pouring out of the prison, while other footage documented military personnel and prison guards apprehending escapees. Some fugitives sought refuge in nearby homes, but many were ultimately discovered and taken back into custody.

In an amateur video circulating online, a prisoner, still wearing a handcuff on his right wrist, claims he had been held in the disciplinary section of the maximum-security prison before being freed by fellow inmates.

Violence Following Election

At least 21 people, including two police officers, have been killed in the wave of violence sweeping Mozambique following the Constitutional Council's confirmation of ruling Frelimo party candidate Daniel Chapo as the winner of the contentious October 9 elections, authorities reported Tuesday.

Mozambique's Interior Minister Pascoal Ronda said during a late Tuesday press conference in Maputo that the announcement of the election results sparked the recent violence and looting. According to Ronda, the unrest was primarily driven by young supporters of opposition candidate Venancio Mondlane, who secured 24 percent of the vote, compared to Chapo's decisive 65 percent.

Tensions had already been mounting across Mozambique ahead of Monday's Constitutional Council ruling, and violent protests erupted immediately after the announcement.

What People Are Saying

"A curious fact is that in that prison we had 29 convicted terrorists, who they released. We are worried, as a country, as Mozambicans, as members of the defense and security forces," Police Chief Rafael said.

"They (protesters) were making noise demanding that they be able to remove the prisoners who are there serving their sentences," Rafael added.

What's Next

Rafael urged the escaped inmates to surrender voluntarily and called on the public to stay informed about the fugitives.

This article includes reporting from The Associated Press.