Groups of protesters approached the penitentiary, triggering unrest inside and prompting inmates to knock down a wall and flee.

Dozens of prisoners killed during jailbreak as Christmas Day riots grip Mozambique - Civil unrest over disputed presidential election result continues

Adriano Nuvunga, director of the Center for Democracy and Human Rights in Mozambique, wrote on X Wednesday: “Over 2,500 detainees have escaped from high-security prisons, including Maputo Central Prison. This shocking incident raises urgent questions about the state of security and the justice system in Mozambique,''

Mozambique is experiencing escalating civil unrest linked to October’s disputed election, which extended long-ruling party Frelimo’s stay in power. Opposition groups and their supporters claim the vote was rigged.

More than 1,500 prisoners escaped from a prison near Maputo on Wednesday, taking advantage of the third day of unrest triggered by the controversial confirmation of the long-ruling Frelimo party as the winner of recent elections.

Police in Mozambique say a prison riot in the capital killed 33 people and injured 15:: Maputo, Mozambique :: December 25, 2024:: Bernardino Rafael, Mozambique Police General Commander"At around 1:00 p.

Mozambique prison riot leaves 33 dead as widespread civil unrest grips country - At least 33 have been killed and more than 1,000 have escaped during prison riot