6,000 inmates have escaped from the Maputo Central Prison in Mozambique, marking one of the largest prison breaks in the nation’s history. The incident occurred on Christmas Day and is linked to ongoing unrest following the recent elections, which have plunged the country into weeks of escalating violence.
Bernadino Rafael, the country’s police chief, confirmed the incident on Wednesday, labelling it a “revolt.” Eyewitness accounts suggest that the escape was both chaotic and strategic, leading to significant concerns about public safety and the implications of such a mass exodus for a nation already grappling with political instability.
This unprecedented event has raised alarm bells across Mozambique, a nation that has seen its share of turmoil in recent years, but which had been hoping for a period of relative calm following the elections. As the country faces the aftermath of the escape, questions are being raised about the security measures in place within its penal system and the ability of law enforcement to manage the situation effectively.
The police are currently engaged in a nationwide manhunt to recapture the escaped prisoners, as fears mount over potential violence and crime that could be sparked by their release. Authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity, while also trying to reassure the public that they are doing everything possible to restore order.
The Mozambican government has come under pressure to address the underlying causes of both the recent violence and the prison revolt. Analysts have pointed to a combination of socio-political discontent and the potential effects of corruption within the correctional facilities as contributing factors to the inmates’ decision to escape.