1,500 Prisoners Escape Maputo Prison Amid Political Unrest
In a significant breach of security, over 1,500 inmates escaped from a high-security prison near Maputo, Mozambique, on Wednesday.
The incident occurred during the third consecutive day of political unrest, triggered by the contentious confirmation of the long-dominant Frelimo party as the victor in the country’s recent elections.
The National Police Chief, Bernardino Rafael, disclosed during a press briefing that 1,534 prisoners fled the facility, located approximately 15 kilometers from the capital.
Efforts to prevent the escape led to violent clashes between the prisoners and prison authorities. According to Rafael, 33 inmates were killed and 15 others sustained injuries during the confrontation.
A joint search operation, involving both police forces and the military, has been launched to recapture the fugitives. So far, around 150 escapees have been apprehended, Rafael confirmed.
Of particular concern are about 30 prisoners who have been identified as members of armed groups linked to ongoing violence in Cabo Delgado province. This northern region has been plagued by insurgent attacks for the past seven years, raising fears that the prison break could exacerbate instability in the country.
“This is a matter of great concern for us,” Rafael emphasized.
The escape comes in the wake of heightened political tensions in Mozambique. On Monday, the country’s highest court upheld Frelimo’s victory in the October 9 presidential election, a decision that has deepened public unrest. The ruling party, which has been in power since Mozambique gained independence in 1975, secured 65.17 percent of the vote—slightly lower than the electoral commission’s initial declaration.
The election results have been marred by accusations of irregularities and voter suppression, fueling weeks of protests and violence in various parts of the country. Opposition groups and civil society organizations have called for an independent investigation into the electoral process, claiming that the results do not reflect the will of the people.
The recent escape of prisoners adds another layer of complexity to Mozambique’s volatile political landscape. Analysts warn that the incident could undermine public confidence in the government’s ability to maintain law and order, especially as the country grapples with ongoing insurgency and post-election tensions.
The Mozambican authorities have assured the public that efforts to recapture the escapees will continue, with additional security measures being implemented to prevent further breaches. However, the situation remains tense, with observers closely monitoring how the government addresses these overlapping crises.
