More than 1,500 prisoners escaped from a Maputo prison during unrest following controversial election results confirming Frelimo’s win. Clashes with prison staff led to 33 deaths. The opposition disputes the election outcome, heightening tensions as protests continue to escalate across the nation, resulting in substantial violence and vandalism.
In Mozambique, over 1,500 prisoners escaped from a high-security facility in Maputo amid widespread unrest following the controversial victory of the ruling Frelimo party in the recent elections. The national police chief, Bernardino Rafael, reported that 1,534 inmates fled during the chaos, which has unfolded over several days. Clashes with prison staff resulted in the deaths of 33 individuals, with 15 others sustaining injuries. Subsequently, approximately 150 fugitives have been recaptured during ongoing search operations, supported by the military. Among the escapees were 30 prisoners associated with militant groups active in the Cabo Delgado province, further heightening concerns regarding security in the region.
The unrest erupted after Mozambique’s highest court upheld the election results, confirming the Frelimo party’s extended grip on power, despite allegations of electoral fraud from opposition leaders and international observers. Daniel Chapo, Frelimo’s leader, was declared the winner of the October 9 elections, garnering 65.17 percent of the vote. Venancio Mondlane, Chapo’s challenger and exiled opposition leader, contends that the election was manipulated and asserts his right to assume office based on his own vote count. This dispute has escalated tensions between supporters of the opposing parties, creating a volatile atmosphere.
Protests escalated as demonstrators approached the penitentiary, leading to further unrest inside, where inmates reportedly breached a wall to facilitate their escape. In the capital city, barricades have been erected in various neighborhoods, complicating daily movements, while acts of vandalism proliferated. Stores and public infrastructures have suffered extensive damage, with ambulances and pharmacies set ablaze, exacerbating the ongoing crisis. Reports indicate that while some residents have ventured out to access food, many businesses remain closed or have reduced operating hours due to the pervasive violence.
Amid escalating violence, the United States State Department has commented on the situation, emphasizing a lack of transparency surrounding the election results and calling for peaceful dialogue among political factions. Furthermore, Mozambique’s interior ministry disclosed that at least 21 individuals, including two police officers, have died in street skirmishes within a single day. The unrest has reportedly led to over 150 deaths, as stated by various non-governmental organizations, reflecting the dire state of public safety in Mozambique.
Mozambique has been experiencing significant political unrest following the recent presidential elections, in which the long-dominant Frelimo party was declared the winner amidst allegations of election fraud by opposition leaders. The tension surrounding the election results has incited public protests and instability, culminating in a mass jailbreak at a Maputo prison and raising concerns about security throughout the nation. The country, governed by Frelimo since its independence in 1975, has faced prolonged unrest, particularly in the northern Cabo Delgado province, where armed groups have carried out violent attacks over the past seven years.
The mass jailbreak and subsequent unrest in Mozambique underscore the growing political instability following the contentious election results that confirmed the Frelimo party’s continued rule. With significant losses reported during protests and an ongoing security crisis, the situation remains dire, demanding urgent attention from both domestic leadership and international observers. The need for transparent dialogue and resolution is critical to averting further violence and restoring peace in the nation.
Original Source: www.fox28spokane.com
