On December 25, Maputo, the capital city of Mozambique, experienced a significant security violation with a massive prison break. The country’s police chief confirmed that the breakout was a part of the ongoing civil unrest and protests related to recent election disputes.
Authorities report that approximately 6,000 prisoners escaped from Maputo Central Prison in a chaotic scene described as a rebellion fueled by the external turmoil. The confrontation with security forces resulted in the death of 33 prisoners, while 15 sustained injuries, as per Police Chief Bernardino Rafael’s report.
The incident occurred alongside widespread civil unrest throughout Mozambique, including its capital. The Constitutional Council’s decision to validate the ruling Frelimo party’s victory in the October 9 election sparked these protests. The demonstrations led to significant damage to police-related targets and public infrastructure.
According to Rafael, the turmoil at Maputo Central Prison, located approximately nine miles southwest of the city, started around midday Wednesday. A group of “subversive protesters” gathered near the prison, leading to the collapse of a wall. In the ensuing chaos, prisoners reportedly seized weapons from the guards and started releasing other inmates.
“A curious fact is that in that prison, we had 29 convicted terrorists, who they released,” Rafael said. “We are worried, as a country, as Mozambicans, as members of the defense and security forces.”
As seen in viral social media videos, the prisoners managed a mass jailbreak from the maximum-security facility. While some escapees tried to hide in nearby homes, military and correctional officers initiated an immediate operation, successfully capturing at least 150 of the escapees. One escapee, still partially handcuffed, was filmed describing his liberation from the prison’s disciplinary unit by fellow inmates.
The turmoil is part of a larger conflict related to the disputed election results. Authorities reported the death of at least 21 individuals, including two police officers, in post-election violence. Interior Minister Pascoal Ronda stated that the unrest was primarily driven by young supporters of the opposition candidate Venancio Mondlane. Mondlane secured 24 percent of the vote, trailing behind the ruling Frelimo party candidate Daniel Chapo, who got 65 percent.
“The announcement of the election results sparked the recent violence and looting,” said Ronda during a press conference in Maputo. He added that protests began immediately after the Constitutional Council’s announcement, following already heightened tensions across the country.
Police Chief Rafael has urged the escaped prisoners to surrender voluntarily and called on the public to stay alert and report any information about the escapees.
The prison break and subsequent violence underscore the precarious political and social conditions in Mozambique. International observers and human rights groups have called for dialogue and transparency to resolve the grievances driving the unrest. Meanwhile, Mozambicans are concerned about their safety following the massive escape.
“We are scared for our safety,” expressed a Maputo resident, who wished to remain anonymous. “The government needs to act quickly to capture these dangerous individuals.”
The Mozambican government is under increasing pressure to restore order while addressing the broader political tensions causing the unrest.
