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.

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. Some 13,000 people have crossed over to Malawi since Monday,

Escalating post-election violence has forced about 12 600 Mozambicans to flee to Malawi through Nsanje since Monday, it has emerged. The protests have resumed in full swing after Mozambique’s Constitutional Council on Monday confirmed the victory of ruling Frelimo presidential candidate Daniel Chapo in the October 9 national elections.

Violence has rocked Mozambique since presidential polls were held on Oct. 9, resulting in 248 deaths including in Wednesday prison break - Anadolu Ajansı

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.