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.

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

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.

More than 1,500 prisoners escaped from a prison near Maputo on 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.

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.

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.

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.