A violent prison riot on Christmas Day at Maputo's high-security prison resulted in the deaths of at least 33 inmates and 15 injuries, as Mozambique reels from post-election unrest. The chaos unfolded amid growing protests against the ruling Frelimo party's election victory, which has sparked outrage among supporters of the opposition.
According to Bernardino Rafael, the country’s police chief, more than 6,000 inmates managed to escape during the turmoil. Many of these prisoners fled as civil unrest escalated across the country, prompted by the recent confirmation of Frelimo’s takeover after the disputed October elections. The prison riot began around midday when supposed "subversive protests" erupted nearby, leading to the collapse of prison walls and the subsequent mass breakout.
The protests originally stemmed from the October 9 elections, which saw opposition leader Venancio Mondlane receive only 24% of the votes compared to the Frelimo candidate Daniel Chapo, who won 65%. Mondlane and his supporters have dismissed the election results as rigged, igniting protests particularly concentrated in Maputo, Beira, and Nampula, where at least 56 individuals have died since the unrest began.
Rafael highlighted the alarming aspect of the prison escape, noting, "A curious fact is there were 29 convicted terrorists released during this riot." He expressed grave concern over the release of such dangerous individuals and called on both the escaped inmates and the general public to report sightings of the fugitives as the nation grapples with the consequences of the civil unrest.
Videos shared on social media captured the inmates flooding the prison gates amid screams and chaos. Some prisoners remain at large, hiding within nearby homes, attempting to evade military personnel and prison guards who have been mobilized for recapturing. Reports indicate many were quickly detained again, with some even filmed still wearing handcuffs.
"They were breaking walls down, and prisoners started to free others," Rafael explained. The police chief urged for public cooperation, stating, "We call on the escaped prisoners to surrender to authorities. The population should be on the lookout for these fugitives. Their decisions could threaten public safety." He emphasized the need for vigilance and awareness as the situation continues to evolve.
The recent turmoil reflects broader frustrations with the political system, rooted deeply within Mozambique's socio-political fabric. The Interior Minister, Pascoal Ronda, remarked on the violence stemming from youthful supporters of Mondlane and emphasized the necessity for lawful redress and dialogue among political leaders. The UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has echoed these sentiments, urging all parties involved to de-escalate tensions through meaningful dialogue.
Mozambique has historically faced political strife, and this latest episode echoes fears of instability returning to the nations burdened by past civil wars and conflicts.
The fallout from this prison riot has left many citizens worried about safety and the ability of authorities to maintain order amid such unrest. With political parties and supporters entrenched on either side, the risk of future violence draws closer, leaving citizens to hope for peaceful resolutions to growing tensions.
Efforts to recapture the remaining escaped inmates are underway, with the police deploying significant resources to regain control and restore order across the capital and beyond. The current situation remains fluid, as authorities scramble to manage the crisis and navigate the discontent rising fast within their citizenry.
