"Mozambique's military patrols the streets of Maputo following protests over election results. The justice minister stated that the protests were unrelated to the recent prison riot. Photograph: Siphiwe Sibeko/Reuters."
Dozens of people were killed in a Christmas Day prison riot in Mozambique, authorities have confirmed.
The riot, which reportedly occurred at a maximum-security prison in the capital, Maputo, resulted in 33 deaths and 15 injuries, according to Police General Commander Bernardino Rafael.
Approximately 1,530 inmates escaped during the chaos, but 150 have since been recaptured, Rafael stated.
Mozambique is grappling with escalating civil unrest following October's disputed election, which extended the long-standing rule of the Frelimo party. Opposition groups have accused the ruling party of election rigging, fueling protests and tensions across the country.
While Rafael attributed the riot to protests outside the prison, Justice Minister Helena Kida told local broadcaster Miramar TV that the unrest began inside the facility and was unrelated to external demonstrations.
"The confrontations resulted in 33 deaths and 15 injuries near the prison," Rafael said during a media briefing.
The identities of the victims remain unclear.
Separate incidents of unrest have also rocked Mozambique since the country’s top court on Monday upheld Frelimo’s election victory. According to the interior minister, at least 21 people have died in these clashes.
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