World
December 27, 2024 23:20
maputo - A massive prison break in Mozambique led to the escape of 6,000 inmates, including convicted terrorists, amidst political turmoil in the country.
A massive prison break in Mozambique has caused chaos in the country, as 6,000 inmates, including convicted terrorists, escaped from a supposedly high-security prison in the capital city of Maputo. On Christmas Day, at least 33 people died during the dramatic escape, including both guards and prisoners.
Initially reported as 1,500 escapees, the number was later confirmed to be at least 6,000 by Bernardino Rafael, the police commander. Amidst protests outside the prison walls, a revolt erupted within the prison as inmates attacked guards, seized their Kalashnikovs, and demanded the keys to the prison gate. With pressure from the crowd, a section of the prison wall collapsed, allowing prisoners to flee easily.
Following a massive manhunt with armed officers searching house by house in the neighborhood, some escaped criminals were recaptured, with some still wearing handcuffs.
The population of the country is now deeply concerned as the prison housed only serious criminals, including murderers, rapists, and at least 29 convicted terrorists. The police are currently intensively searching for them, amidst the ongoing chaos in the country with looting and arson. Law enforcement is struggling to restore order.
Since the beginning of the protests following the October elections, more than 250 people have died according to the NGO Plataforma Decide. The country is experiencing one of its most violent periods since the end of the civil war in 1992, with most casualties reported in Maputo, Beira, and Nampula.
The prison escape during Christmas occurred amid ongoing mass demonstrations. The African country has been in chaos for days after violence erupted following the announcement of the election results.
The Constitutional Council confirmed the election victory of Daniel Chapo, the presidential candidate of the Frelimo party, which has been in power in Mozambique for 49 years. While the electoral commission stated that the ruling party received 70% of the votes, opposition parties rejected the results, citing electoral fraud. International observers also noted irregularities.
The Minister of Interior of Mozambique, Pascoal Ronda, stated during a press conference in Maputo that the violence was led mainly by young supporters of the losing candidate Venancio Mondlane, who received 24% of the votes.
Daniel Chapo, the elected president of Mozambique, urged on Friday for an end to the violence, calling for unity and promising to be a president for all. He highlighted the negative impact of the violence on the country's economy and businesses and emphasized the need for fair elections according to the opposition.