A massive jail break in Maputo, Mozambique's capital has led to the escape of over 1,500 inmate from prison, 33 dead and 15 other injured amid election tension.

Machava prison holds high-risk inmates, including jihadists linked to armed groups in Cabo Delgado. At least 30 jihadists are among the escapees, including one classified as "highly dangerous," raising security concerns.

MAPUTO, Dec 25, 2024 (BSS/AFP) - More than 1,500 prisoners escaped from a Maputo prison 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.

Hundreds of buildings were damaged or looted, including schools and hospitals, in a wave of unrest after Daniel Chapo was confirmed as the winner of the presidential election.

More than 1,500 prisoners have escaped from a prison in Mozambique, taking advantage of ongoing political unrest triggered by disputed election results, police say. Thirty-three people were killed and 15 injured in clashes with guards, police chief Bernardino Rafael told a press conference.

Mozambique’s Oct. 9 presidential election was won by the ruling party candidate Daniel Chapo with 65% of the vote, the country’s top electoral court ruled, slightly reducing his initially-reported support while still leaving him the clear winner.

A ruling on Monday confirming that Daniel Chapo had won a disputed election has sparked protests and violence.

At least 21 people have died since Monday due to political unrest in Mozambique as a political opposition leader vows to become president after losing in questionable elections.

By Custodio Cossa MAPUTO (Reuters) -At least 21 people have been killed in unrest after Mozambique's top court on Monday confirmed long-ruling party Frelimo's victory in the election, the country's interior minister said late on Tuesday.

Hundreds of buildings were looted or vandalized, according to government officials, in a wave of unrest after Daniel Chapo was confirmed as the winner of Mozambique’s presidential election.