A violent prison break in Chad has left three people dead and several others injured after more than 100 inmates escaped from a high-security facility. The incident occurred late Friday at a prison located five kilometers from the town of Mongo, in central Chad. According to officials, the outbreak of violence led to a deadly shootout between inmates and prison guards.
The Guera province secretary general, Hassan Souleymane Adam, confirmed that three individuals were killed in the incident, while three others, including the state governor, were wounded. The shootout erupted as the prisoners staged a revolt, citing grievances over the poor conditions in the prison, particularly the lack of food. During the unrest, the inmates managed to break into the manager’s office and steal firearms, intensifying the violence.
A local official, who spoke to AFP on condition of anonymity, described the chaotic scene. “A shootout with guards ensued as the governor was arriving, and he was caught in the crossfire,” the official said. The prisoners, angered by their treatment, took advantage of the distraction to escape. The exact number of escapees was reported to be 132, though earlier reports had suggested 100. The escapees remain at large, and local authorities are coordinating efforts to track them down.
Chad’s Justice Minister, Youssouf Tom, confirmed the gravity of the situation and stated that he was en route to the region to provide more detailed information once he arrived in Mongo. This alarming prison break highlights ongoing issues with overcrowding and poor conditions in Chad’s prison system, which has faced growing concerns in recent years.
As investigations continue, the government is focusing on recapturing the escapees, with heightened security measures being put in place. The incident has raised questions about the effectiveness of prison management and the dire need for reform in Chad’s correctional facilities.
