Deadly Prison Riots Shake Mozambique on Christmas Day
Tragedy marred Christmas Day as at least 33 were reported to have died while over a dozen were said to have been injured when a Mozambican prison riot went deadly in the nation's capital, Maputo. Violence fueled by disagreements over contentious election results back in October spilled into the full-fledged jailbreak that was said to involve more than 1,500 prisoners.
A Nation Embroiled in Mayhem
Authorities say 1,534 detainees fled a prison 15 kilometers from the capital in the third day of nationwide unrest. The rioting broke out after the judiciary confirmed the election victory of the ruling Frelimo party. Opposition led by the presidential candidate, Venancio Mondlan accused the government of election fraud, increasing violence.
Interior Minister Pascoal Ronda blamed the supporter groups of Mondlan, which he said triggered all this chaos. In his post-incident statement, Bernardino Rafael, the national police head, informed that 33 detainees died and 15 detainees suffered injuries in clashes during an attempt to flee through the prison staff.
In response to the crisis, a joint operation by police and military forces has arrested about 150 of the escaped prisoners. However, the situation is still volatile. Justice Minister Helena Kida explained that the riot actually started within the prison, refuting earlier claims that protests outside the prison were the main cause.
To make matters worse, two other prisons were reportedly trying to break out, turning the entire nation into a stir on security matters. Rafael showed concerns about the expected increase in crime in the next 48 hours due to the escapees still at large.
Election Disputes and Escalating Violence
The riots followed a wave of violence on Monday that claimed 21 lives after the judiciary upheld Frelimo leader Daniel Chapo's presidential victory. Chapo secured nearly 65% of the votes, a result that was strongly contested by the opposition.
Protesters have been taking to the streets in Maputo and Beira; scenes of burning barricades, looted shops, and some officials running away for fear of their lives are not uncommon. Demonstrators paradoxically used some of the street barricades as Christmas spots.
It is a critical moment now for Mozambique as the country's authorities try to restore control and react to complaints from the public over the contentious election. With a highly explosive political situation, where civil unrest mounts by the day, national leadership has to work out divisive differences and reinstate stability.
Watch for continuing updates as this story develops.