At least 6,000 inmates escaped from a high-security prison in Mozambique’s capital on Christmas Day after a rebellion, as widespread post-election riots and violence roil the country. According to Mozambique’s police chief Bernardino Rafael, the chaos unfolded amid violent protests triggered by the recent confirmation of the ruling Frelimo party's victory.
The daring prison break occurred at the Maputo Central Prison, located approximately 14 kilometers southwest of the capital. Local officials reported 33 prisoners died and 15 others were injured during confrontations with security forces as the prison doors flew open during the unrest. "A curious fact is, at this prison, we had 29 convicted terrorists, who were released. We are worried, as Mozambicans, as members of the defense and security forces," Rafael stated.
The protests erupted following the electoral results confirmed by Mozambique’s Constitutional Council, which declared Frelimo’s Daniel Chapo as the winner of the October 9 presidential elections with 65% of the vote. Opposition parties, led by Venâncio Mondlane, who received only 24% of the vote, have vehemently declared the election results rigged.
Engulfed by despair over the electoral process, Mondlane proclaimed, "This Christmas, ... what Christmas are we going to have? Yes, we’re going to have Christmas. We’ve already said our Christmas is Mozambique. It’s going to be on the streets." His followers, primarily the youth, took to the streets, clashing with the police, which has led to some of the most intense violence Mozambique has experienced since the end of its civil war over 30 years ago.
Since the controversy surrounding the elections began, at least 125 individuals have been killed during clashes across the nation, according to reports from various civil society groups. Many of these protests have been marked by confrontations where police were accused of using excessive force. Witnesses claim live ammunition was fired at protesters, and some demonstrators have also expressed fears of police brutality.
Internally, the unrest forced the escape of thousands of prisoners, with videos on social media capturing the chaotic moments as inmates fled the prison yard. Security forces attempted to restore order, with many prisoners reportedly hiding from authorities after their breakout.
The international community has taken notice of the violence, with U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urging all political leaders to defuse tensions through dialogue and legal measures. The U.N. has responded to the violence, recognizing the escalation as concerning and detrimental to the country’s stability.
Neighboring countries and regional organizations, such as the Southern African Development Community (SADC), have expressed readiness to assist Mozambique. Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa emphasized the need for peace and calm amid the unrest, stating, "The situation must be addressed through dialogue" as South Africa echoed similar sentiments, calling for all parties to engage constructively to restore peace.
Human rights advocates have condemned the violent reactions from police forces, with organizations like Amnesty International claiming, "...since the outcome of the elections on Oct. 9, police have responded with excessive use of force against those who decide to express themselves and to exercise their right to freedom of association and assembly. We've seen police using live ammunition, using rubber bullets and various forms of excessive force against protesters. Many people have been seriously wounded, and over 110 people have been killed."
It is clear the turmoil in Mozambique stems from more than just contested election results. The breakdown of law and order, highlighted by the prison escape, amplifies the challenges the country faces. The fragile state of political coherence and its repercussions on security pose serious concerns for regional stability, with Mozambique serving as a strategic economic corridor for the southern African nations.
With the hope for resolution still present, calls for dialogue among Mozambicans and regional leaders persist. Observers are closely monitoring the developments as the nation grapples with the fallout from this election crisis, with its impacts alarming not only local residents but also neighboring countries.
The plight for peace and stability is imperative, not just for recovering lost lives but also for restoring faith in the nation’s democratic processes. The people of Mozambique face uncertain times, as they stand at the crossroads of violence and potential reconciliation. It's imperative for both political leaders and citizens to prioritize dialogue to guide the country toward healing and rebuilding.
