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More than 1,500 prisoners escaped from a prison in Mozambique’s capital, Maputo, amidst political unrest triggered by disputed election results, police report.
Clashes during the escape led to 33 deaths and 15 injuries, according to police chief Bernardino Rafael. Approximately 150 escapees have since been captured.
The escape occurred as anti-government protesters approached the prison on Wednesday, exploiting unrest following the constitutional court’s confirmation of President Daniel Chapo’s re-election. Prisoners used the chaos to break down a wall and flee.
Unrest erupted after the constitutional court upheld October’s election results, declaring ruling Frelimo Party candidate Daniel Chapo the winner. The court revised Chapo’s victory margin from 71% to 65%, with opposition candidate Venâncio Mondlane securing 24%.
Mondlane, claiming the elections were rigged, has called for protests and fled Mozambique, urging supporters to resist the results.
Maputo was described as a ghost town on Christmas Eve, with businesses shuttered and residents avoiding the worst violence since Frelimo’s rise to power in 1975. Government offices, police stations, banks, and factories across the country have been looted and burned.
At least 21 people have been killed in recent protests, adding to the 150 fatalities reported since unrest began three months ago. Interior Minister reports indicate sustained clashes as the nation grapples with deep political divisions.
