6,000 Armed Prisoners Escape from Mozambique Jail Amid Protests and Christmas Chaos

East Africa Country Mozambique Capital of Maputo, approximately 6,000 prisoners have broken free, seizing weapons in the process. The mass jailbreak occurred amid ongoing protests against the results of the October 9 elections, which had sparked national unrest.

Reports indicate that the prisoners took advantage of the chaos surrounding Christmas festivities and protests against the election outcomes. Thousands of inmates overpowered the guards, disarmed them, and fled the facility, armed with weapons.

Mozambique’s police chief, Bernardino Rafael, confirmed that 33 prisoners were killed and 15 others were injured during a gunfight that ensued as the escapees fled the jail. Among the prisoners who escaped, 29 were categorized as “terrorist prisoners.”

The jailbreak coincides with widespread protests that erupted following the approval of the ruling FRELIMO party’s victory in the October elections by the Constitutional Council. The protests targeted police vehicles, stations, and critical infrastructure, exacerbating the overall turmoil.