More than 1,500 people escape from prison in Mozambique amid electoral tensions

Last updated on December 30th, 2024 at 10:52 pm

A riot in a prison in Maputo, the capital of Mozambique, left 33 people dead and 15 injured, the police commander general, Bernardino Rafael, said on Wednesday.

Some 1,534 people escaped from the prison, but 150 of them were recaptured, he added.

 The escape led to violent clashes between the fugitives, prison staff and police, which left 33 dead and 15 injured. Videos showed crowds rushing out of the prison, some carrying weapons taken from the guards.

The prison in Machava holds high-risk inmates, including jihadists linked to armed groups in Cabo Delgado. At least 30 jihadists are among the escapees, including one classified as ‘very dangerous’, raising security concerns.

According to the NGO Plataforma Decide, the violence surrounding the elections has claimed 248 lives in the last two months.

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The crisis also highlights regional tensions. While the ANC, South Africa’s ruling party, congratulated Chapo on his victory, the United States expressed concern about the lack of transparency in the election. Observers have criticised South Africa’s muted response to the escalating situation in Mozambique.