Video: Thousands of prisoners escape in Mozambique amid election unrest

December 26, 2024

By Ayinde Adeleke

A massive prison break has occurred in Mozambique, with over 1,500 prisoners escaping from a facility in the capital city of Maputo.

This incident happened amidst ongoing protests triggered by disputed election results, which have been marked by violence and unrest.

According to Police Chief Bernardino Rafael, 33 people were killed and 15 injured in clashes with guards during the prison break.

About 150 of the escaped prisoners have since been recaptured. Rafael explained that groups of anti-government protesters approached the prison, allowing the prisoners to knock down a wall and escape.

The protests erupted in response to Mozambique’s highest court confirming the ruling Frelimo party’s victory in October’s presidential elections.

The party has been in power since 1975. The opposition has disputed the results, claiming the election was rigged.

The situation in Mozambique has been tense since the elections, with at least 150 people killed in three months of protests.

The capital city of Maputo was described as a “ghost town” on Christmas Eve, with businesses shut and people staying indoors to avoid the unrest.