More than 6,000 prisoners escaped from a high-security facility in Maputo on Christmas Day following a rebellion, during which at least 33 inmates were killed. The chaos erupted amid violent protests and riots triggered by the confirmation of the ruling Frelimo party’s victory in October's elections.

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.