Madagascar: 120 detainees escape from prison December 13

Event

At least 120 prisoners escaped from the Ikongo prison, located in the east of the island, on Wednesday, December 13, after nearly 800 people stormed the prison in search of a murder suspect in order to lynch him. The mob reportedly overpowered the guards, briefly taking them hostage, and allowed 120 detainees to break out after they realized the person they were looking for had been moved to another facility. The prisoners are still on the run and the prison governor and magistrate involved in the detained suspect's murder case have gone into hiding.

Context

Vigilante justice is common in Madagascar. In 2013, three people - French, Franco-Italian, and Malagasy nationals - were burned alive by a crowd that accused them of killing a child on the tourist island of Nosy Be.

Law enforcement agencies are considered to be slow and corrupt, fueling a sense of insecurity among the populace.

Advice

Individuals present in Ikongo and its surrounding areas are advised to monitor the situation and to obey any instructions issued by the local authorities.