In a shocking Christmas Day event, at least 6,000 inmates managed to escape from a high-security prison in Maputo, Mozambique, following a violent riot that left 33 prisoners dead and 15 others injured. The chaos erupted when prisoners overpowered guards, seizing their weapons to facilitate the breakout.
The riot at Maputo Central Prison was sparked by post-election unrest after the confirmation of the ruling Frelimo party’s victory, leading to widespread protests across the nation. The prisoners took advantage of the distraction caused by the external riots to stage their escape. According to local police chief Bernardino Rafael, inmates began freeing each other after snatching weapons from the guards. Among the escapees were 29 convicted terrorists, raising significant security concerns.
Authorities are now grappling with the aftermath, with the police issuing warnings to the public about the escaped prisoners and urging voluntary surrender. The incident has not only highlighted the prison’s security vulnerabilities but also intensified the political and social tensions within Mozambique following the disputed elections.
Videos and images circulating on social media depicted the moment inmates left the prison, while other footage showed military and prison guards attempting to recapture some of the escapees. The government has called for calm and is coordinating with neighboring countries to manage the potential regional security threat posed by the mass escape.
This event has sparked a national conversation about prison security, human rights, and the political stability of Mozambique, with calls for a thorough investigation into how such a large-scale escape could occur from a facility meant to hold the country’s most dangerous criminals.
