At least 33 people were killed and over a dozen injured during a violent prison riot in Maputo, the capital of Mozambique, as tensions over October’s contested election escalated on Christmas Day.
Authorities reported that more than 1,500 inmates escaped from a prison located about 15 kilometers from the capital, marking the third consecutive day of unrest following the judicial confirmation of the controversial electoral victory of the ruling Frelimo party.
Interior Minister Pascoal Ronda blamed supporters of opposition presidential candidate Venancio Mondlane for inciting the violence.
“1,534 detainees escaped from the facility,” said national police chief Bernardino Rafael. “Among those trying to flee, 33 were killed and 15 wounded in clashes with prison staff.”
A military-led search operation resulted in the recapture of around 150 fugitives. While Rafael attributed the riot to external protests, Justice Minister Helena Kida disagreed, telling local broadcaster Miramar TV that the unrest originated within the prison and was unrelated to outside demonstrations.
In addition to the Maputo incident, jailbreak attempts were reported at two other prisons. “We are concerned, both as a country and as security forces,” Rafael stated. “We expect a rise in crime in the next 48 hours.”
The prison riots followed the deaths of 21 people in protests sparked by the judiciary’s confirmation of President Daniel Chapo’s re-election. Chapo, who won nearly 65% of the vote, faced allegations of electoral fraud from his opponent Mondlane, leading to violent demonstrations.
Social media footage showed protesters looting and burning shops in Maputo and Beira, with some officials reportedly fleeing. Demonstrators also occupied public spaces in the streets, celebrating Christmas amid the unrest, according to AFP.
Mondlane has called for a “shutdown” starting December 27 as tensions continue in the capital. Mozambique, with a population of 34 million, has been embroiled in turmoil since the October 9 general election, with Mondlane’s young supporters frequently clashing with security forces.
