Thousands have fled Mozambique in the past week to neighbouring Malawi seeking refuge from the southern African nation's deadly post-election protests, authorities told AFP.

More than 2,000 Mozambican families have sought refuge in Malawi this week, Malawian authorities said, as dozens of people were reported killed in spreading unrest over a disputed election in October.

Over 2,000 Mozambican families have fled to Malawi due to violent unrest following a disputed election in October. The conflict, triggered by the ruling Frelimo party's contested victory, has resulted in 125 deaths since the Constitutional Council validated the election.

Post-election violence has spread across Mozambique, paralyzing cities and disrupting daily life. As the chaos escalates, the United Nations has called for calm and a peaceful resolution.

Protests erupted on Monday in response to Mozambique's highest court confirming that the ruling Frelimo party, in power since 1975, had won October's presidential elections. Mr Rafael said groups of anti-government protesters had approached the prison in the capital Maputo on Wednesday.

More than 6,000 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.

More than 1,500 prisoners escaped from a Maputo prison Wednesday, taking advantage of the third day of unrest triggered by the controversial confirmation of the long-ruling Frelimo party as the