The death toll from post-election riots in Mozambique has risen to approximately 150, according to civil society group Plataforma Decide. At least 121 people have reportedly died since Monday.
The unrest began after the Constitutional Council confirmed Daniel Chapo, the candidate of the ruling Mozambique Liberation Front (FRELIMO), as the winner of the presidential election with 65% of the votes. FRELIMO has been in power for 49 years.
Opposition leader Venâncio Mondlane, who garnered 24% of the votes, rejected the results, alleging electoral manipulation. Mondlane has since fled Mozambique, urging his supporters to protest against what he described as a fraudulent election. In a social media post over the weekend, he warned of a possible popular uprising if the results are not overturned.
Adding to the chaos, over 1,500 prisoners escaped from a prison amid the political unrest, according to Mozambique police chief Bernardino Rafael. Clashes between inmates and guards left 33 prisoners dead and 15 injured.
The situation remains tense as the country grapples with the fallout from the disputed election.
