Join on WhatsApp
Join on Telegram
Rabat — The violence has rocked the southern African country, leaving dozens dead and many more injured.
The mass escape took place at a prison located nine miles from the capital Maputo. National police chief Bernardino Rafael broke the news, saying: “A total of 1,534 inmates escaped.”
During the chaos, prison staff clashed with the fleeing inmates. “Among those attempting to escape, 33 were killed and 15 were wounded,” Rafael said.
The army is now on a search operation. About 150 fugitives have been recaptured so far. But concerns remain, as around 30 of the escapees are believed to have ties to armed groups involved in years of violence in the northern province of Cabo Delgado.
“We are particularly concerned about this situation,” Rafael added.
Read also: Boxing Day Horror: Remembering the 2004 Tsunami
The unrest comes after Mozambique’s top court upheld election results marred by fraud accusations. The ruling Frelimo party claimed victory on October 9 with 70 percent of the vote. Daniel Chapo, 47, was declared president.
Opposition groups, led by Venâncio Mondlane, accused Frelimo of rigging the election. International observers also reported irregularities.
On Monday, the court confirmed Frelimo had won, adjusting the margin slightly to 65 percent. Mondlane, who fled the country, warned of “chaos” if the court did not overturn the result. He now claims he will take office as president in January.
Tensions boiled over after the court’s ruling. Protests erupted in Maputo, with fires and smoke filling the streets. Buildings, including Frelimo party offices, government facilities, and banks, were looted and vandalised.
Over 130 people have died in clashes since October, according to the civil society group Platforma Decide.
Mozambique, a nation of 35 million, faces its most severe crisis in years. As protests grow, fears of further violence loom large. The search for the escaped prisoners continues.
