Chaos and Deaths in Mozambique Due to Unrest Over Election Results

maputo - Protests against the election results have led to a chaotic situation in Mozambique, with at least 21 reported deaths and escalating violence.

The recent wave of violence started after Daniel Chapo, the candidate of the FRELIMO party that has been in power since independence in 1975, was declared the new president with 65 percent of the votes. Opposition leader Venancio Mondlane rejected the results and announced on Facebook that he would declare himself president on January 15. He had fled abroad two months ago.

In recent days, shops have been looted, vehicles and buildings set on fire, including police stations and FRELIMO offices. Over 1500 inmates have escaped from a high-security prison near Maputo, with more than thirty detainees killed in clashes with guards.