Mozambique unrest after disputed elections

Violence continues to escalate in Mozambique following disputed October elections, with the death toll reaching 248 people over the past 65 days according to monitoring group Plataforma Decide. The situation worsened after the Constitutional Council confirmed ruling party Frelimo's victory, triggering nationwide protests and a major prison break.

A riot at Maputo Central Prison in Matola resulted in 33 deaths, 15 injuries, and the escape of 1,534 inmates, including 29 individuals classified as "highly dangerous" terrorists. While 150 prisoners have been recaptured, authorities remain concerned about the whereabouts of the others. Police chief Bernardino Rafael and Justice Minister Helena Kida offered conflicting accounts of what sparked the prison unrest.

The political crisis stems from October's presidential election, where Daniel Chapo of the long-ruling Frelimo party won with 71% of the vote. Opposition leader Venancio Mondlane, who received 20% and is currently in exile, has rejected the results, alleging widespread vote rigging. Mondlane has called for continued protests and declared his intention to install himself as president on January 15.

The unrest has led to significant damage in the capital Maputo, with destroyed buildings and looted shops. Interior Minister Pascoal Ronda reported 78 arrests as security measures intensify nationwide. The ongoing protests have disrupted daily life, causing fuel shortages in Maputo and Matola due to attacks on gas stations.

The situation has begun to affect neighboring countries, with reports of Mozambicans fleeing to Malawi as refugees. Frelimo, which has faced repeated accusations of election rigging, continues to deny any wrongdoing in the electoral process.

This marks one of the most severe political crises in Mozambique's recent history, combining electoral disputes, mass protests, prison breaks, and growing refugee concerns into a complex national emergency.