Jose Tembe & Wedaeli Chibelushi reporting for BBC News:
"278 people have died since demonstrations began in Mozambique after the electoral commission declared Daniel Chapo the winner of the presidential elections in October, extending the Frelimo political party's 49-year rule. The fatalities include protesters, children and members of the security forces.
The opposition leader, Vanancio Mondlane, fled Mozambique, saying his life was in danger after two of his aides were shot dead in October. He previously said he will install himself as president on January 15 - the day Daniel Chapo is due to be sworn in - despite the constitutional court upholding his rival's victory.
The electoral commission declared Chapo the winner of the election with 71% of the vote, compared to Mondlane's 20%. The constitutional court revised the result last week, giving Chapo 65% and Mondlane 24%. International election observers previously said the vote was flawed, pointing to doctored numbers and other irregularities during the counting process.
The ensuing protests have dealt a severe blow to Mozambique's economy. More than 12,000 people have lost their jobs and more than 500 companies have been vandalized. Along with businesses, Frelimo offices, courts, police stations and road toll booths have been torched.
Last week, the police reported that more than 1,500 prisoners escaped from a maximum security prison, taking advantage of the political unrest.
Neighboring countries have also felt the impact of Mozambique's unrest. Several thousand Mozambicans have fled across the border into Malawi as a result of the violence.
A new wave of protests are set to begin on January 2."
Thank you for your prayers for Mozambique.
