Groups of protesters approached the penitentiary, triggering unrest inside and prompting inmates to knock down a wall and flee.

Mozambique is experiencing escalating civil unrest linked to October’s disputed election, which extended long-ruling party Frelimo’s stay in power. Opposition groups and their supporters claim the vote was rigged.

At least 33 people died and over a dozen sustained injuries in a prison riot in Mozambique 's capital as civil unrest over October's disputed election continued on Christmas Day.