Deadly prison break in Chad leaves three dead, Governor injured

Over 100 prisoners have escaped from a high-security facility in central Chad following a violent confrontation that left three people dead and injured a visiting regional governor.

The breakout occurred during an uprising on Friday night at a prison located about five kilometres from Mongo town in Guera province.

According to Hassan Souleymane Adam, the secretary general of Guera province, the escape took place during a chaotic episode that saw guards engage in a gunfight with inmates.

"There are around 100 who escaped, three dead and three wounded," he said while confirming the incident on Saturday.

A local official in Mongo, who requested not to be named, explained that the confrontation began after inmates forced their way into a prison manager’s office and stole firearms.

This sudden escalation triggered a shootout with prison guards, which coincided with the arrival of the Guera governor at the facility.

"A shootout with guards ensued at the same time the governor arrived. He was wounded," the official said.

The nature and extent of the governor’s injuries were not disclosed.

The same source placed the number of escaped prisoners at 132 and confirmed the death toll stood at three.

He linked the revolt to ongoing complaints among the inmates regarding food shortages at the prison.

The prison, known for its tight security, had not reported any recent incidents before this uprising.

However, tensions appear to have been rising due to poor living conditions, particularly the lack of adequate food, which may have contributed to the inmates’ actions.

Chad’s Justice Minister, Youssouf Tom, told AFP by phone that he would be heading to the affected region to gather more information.

"I am about to fly to the region and will be able to give precise information once I am at Mongo in the coming hours," he said.

Authorities have not yet confirmed whether any of the escaped inmates have been recaptured or if efforts are underway to track them down.

Security forces are expected to intensify their search in and around the Mongo area as the situation develops.

The incident has raised fresh concerns about prison conditions in the country and the ability of correctional facilities to contain unrest among inmates.

With over 100 prisoners now at large, local residents may also be worried about safety and possible disturbances in nearby communities.

Investigations into the cause of the escape and the circumstances that allowed prisoners to access weapons are expected to begin once the justice minister arrives on the ground.