On Christmas Day, over 6,000 inmates escaped from the Maputo Central Prison in Mozambique amid violent protests over the ruling Frelimo party’s electoral victory. The chaos resulted in 33 inmate fatalities and injuries to 15 others during confrontations with security forces. The situation reflects the broader post-election violence affecting Mozambique, eliciting concerns from global leaders about escalating tensions and public safety.
On Christmas Day, over 6,000 inmates escaped from the high-security Maputo Central Prison in Mozambique following a violent rebellion triggered by protests against the ruling Frelimo party’s electoral victory. According to Police Chief Bernardino Rafael, the tumult resulted in the death of 33 inmates and left 15 injured during clashes with law enforcement. The unrest arose in the wake of the Constitutional Council’s confirmation of the Frelimo party’s dominance in the October elections, leading to widespread riots and violent confrontations throughout the nation.
The disturbance began when a faction of protesters advocating for reforms and the release of incarcerated individuals provoked conflict with prison guards, resulting in inmates overpowering security personnel. During the disruption, some prisoners seized weapons, allowing them to liberate others, including 29 convicted terrorists. The police chief expressed deep concern for the safety of the general populace as the escapees posed potential security risks, and he urged the fugitive inmates to turn themselves in.
Videos disseminated on social media depicted the chaotic scene as inmates fled the facility, while others appeared to be recaptured by military forces and prison guards shortly thereafter. The political landscape in Mozambique, particularly after the Constitutional Court confirmed the election results favoring President Daniel Chapo of the Frelimo party, has become increasingly volatile, leading to escalating violence predominantly driven by supporters of the opposition candidate, Venancio Mondlane. In response to these developments, U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres expressed concerns, calling for a cessation of violence and urging an engagement among political leaders to foster dialogue and resolve the ongoing crisis amicably.
Mozambique has been subjected to political unrest, particularly following its recent elections wherein the ruling Frelimo party secured victory amidst allegations of fraud. The affirmation of their win led to protests from supporters of the opposition, resulting in civil disorder and subsequent violence across the country. This turmoil culminated in the unprecedented escape of over 6,000 inmates from a high-security prison, raising alarms about public safety and the potential for further unrest amid a climate of fear and uncertainty in Mozambique’s political atmosphere.
The escape of over 6,000 inmates from the Maputo Central Prison amidst violent protests highlights the severe repercussions of Mozambique’s contested election results. With significant casualties reported and intensified violence, the situation has prompted calls from various political figures and the United Nations for dialogue and immediate measures to restore order. The unfolding crisis illustrates the fragile state of political stability in Mozambique and the urgent need for addressing the grievances of its populace to prevent further deterioration of public safety.
Original Source: www.france24.com
