The United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) has expressed concern about the level of post-election violence in Mozambique since the general elections in October.

He reported that more than 3,000 people took refuge in Malawi and Eswatini last week because of the violent demonstrations that have been taking place in Mozambique.

"The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is deeply concerned about the current situation in Mozambique, where post-electoral instability has forced thousands of people to flee their homes and even seek safety in neighboring countries," reads the UNHCR website.

The significant turnout began on December 23, when the Constitutional Council proclaimed the official results of the October general elections and awarded victory to Frelimo and its presidential candidate Daniel Chapo.

The proclamation was followed by new protests in the streets and at least 175 people have died since then, bringing the total number of deaths since October 21 to 277, according to the electoral platform Decide.

In Malawi, people who fled Mozambique reported escaping attacks and looting in their villages, according to the UNHCR, quoted by RFI.

The UNHCR reveals that many traveled long distances and crossed the Shire River on foot or aboard small boats.

Among them were pregnant women, the elderly and children who had very little to eat.

In addition, the UNHCR warns that the shelters are overcrowded, that the health infrastructure is insufficient and that access to food and drinking water is limited.

The director of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees for Southern Africa, Chansa Kapaya, recalled that "refugees and civilians face immense risks, have lost their livelihoods and depend on humanitarian aid".