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Over 1,500 Escape Maputo Prison Amid Deadly Mozambique Protests After Daniel Chapo Confirmed as President

Dec 25, 2024, 07:06 PM

Mozambique is experiencing significant unrest following the confirmation of the ruling Frelimo Party's victory in the disputed October 9 presidential election. On December 23, the Constitutional Council upheld the election results, declaring Daniel Chapo as president. Opposition candidate Venancio Mondlane, who claims he won the election and has since fled the country, has called for demonstrations against alleged electoral fraud. The protests have resulted in violent clashes between demonstrators and security forces. Interior Minister Pascoal Ronda reported that at least 21 people, including two police officers, have been killed since December 23. On December 25, a riot erupted at a maximum-security prison in Bairro Acordos de Lusaka, Maputo. Taking advantage of the holiday season with fewer guards on duty, 1,534 inmates escaped during the chaos. The riot left 33 people dead and 15 injured, according to police commander Bernardino Rafael, who noted that only 150 escapees have been recaptured. The situation remains tense as the government seeks to restore order amid ongoing demonstrations and calls for political reforms.