Some 6,000 prisoners broke free from a high-security prison in the Mozambican capital, Maputo, on Wednesday, according to police authorities, as weeks-long post-election violence continues to rock the Southern African nation.

International media reports have indicated that, amid unrest triggered by the controversial confirmation of election results in Mozambique, at least 6,000 prisoners escaped from the country’s jails.

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.