Protests in Mozambique led to the escape of over 1,500 prisoners.

In the capital of Mozambique, Maputo, unrest occurred in the prison. About 1,530 prisoners escaped, with fatalities and injuries reported. This information was provided by CNN.

Local residents expressed their dissatisfaction with the results of the October elections, in which the 'Frelimo' party maintained its power. After the Supreme Court confirmed the party's victory, protests erupted with renewed vigor. 'Frelimo' has ruled the country for 49 years, but the opposition and its supporters claim that the elections were rigged, according to BBC.

The commander of the police in Mozambique, Bernardino Rafael, stated that anti-government protesters approached the prison in Maputo on December 25. The prisoners breached the walls and escaped. By that point, 150 fugitives had returned to custody. As a result of the confrontation with security, 33 people died, and another 15 were injured.

A prison riot erupted in the capital of Mozambique, Maputo – there are dozens dead and injured. Approximately 1,530 people escaped from detention facilities pic.twitter.com/P7roSRO7kJ

— GLAVCOM (@GLAVCOM_UA) December 26, 2024

The Minister of Justice of Mozambique, Helena Kida, told local media that the unrest in the prison is not linked to political protests.

In various parts of the country, offices of the 'FRELIMO' party, police stations, banks, and factories were also looted and destroyed. People are refraining from going out without a particular necessity.

Earlier, the number of deaths from Cyclone Chedza in Mozambique has risen to 94. This was reported by the national emergency management agency. The cyclone, which swept through the country a week ago, caused significant damage, particularly in the Cabo Delgado province.

It was also reported that over 118 prisoners escaped after heavy rain damaged the prison walls near Nigeria's capital.

The situation caused by the rain lasting several hours led to the destruction of part of a medium-security facility, including walls and adjacent buildings, said prison service spokesperson Adamu Duza. Authorities are currently conducting a search for the escapees and have already detained 10 individuals. Duza reassured the public, stating that the situation is under control.