Venancio Mondlane, Mozambique’s main opposition leader, returned from self-imposed exile on Thursday, January 9, holding a Bible and reaffirming his rejection of last year’s disputed election results.
His arrival has intensified protests and a violent crackdown by security forces, which have sparked unrest in the country for over two months.
Mondlane arrived at Mavalane International Airport in the capital, Maputo, where he was greeted by applause from airport workers. He knelt in the arrivals hall, clutching a Bible in his left hand.
“I want to fight within this country and I will, until the very end, keep fighting for this country. I’m not willing to accept election results if they are the same as those announced up until now.”
Venancio Mondlane
Security forces responded to his arrival by firing tear gas at hundreds of supporters gathered near the airport. Mondlane’s return follows his departure in October 2024 after a controversial election marred by allegations of rigging by the ruling Frelimo party, in power since Mozambique’s independence from Portugal in 1975.
The October 9 election, which declared Frelimo the winner, triggered widespread protests. International rights groups report that over 100 people have been killed by security forces during these protests, with some local estimates exceeding 200 fatalities. The demonstrations erupted after Mondlane urged people to contest the results.
Fearing for his life, Mondlane left Mozambique after two senior members of his opposition party were assassinated. His party labeled the killings as political assassinations.
Police blocked roads leading to the airport on Thursday after Mondlane announced his return on social media. Tear gas filled the air around the airport, and a helicopter monitored the scene from above. Mondlane later traveled by car to a public square in central Maputo, followed by large crowds.
Security forces were on high alert, expecting thousands of Mondlane’s supporters to gather. Rights groups have accused these forces of using excessive violence against peaceful demonstrators, including firing live ammunition, which resulted in casualties, including children. Authorities, however, defend their actions, claiming the protests were violent and needed suppression.
Mondlane accused the authorities of kidnapping and killing some protesters but expressed a willingness to negotiate with Frelimo to end the ongoing unrest. “I’m here in flesh and blood to say that if you want to negotiate, if you want to talk to me, if you want to come to the conversation table, I’m here,” Mondlane stated.
Election Controversy and International Reactions
Mondlane and other opposition candidates have accused Frelimo of election fraud. International observers have reported irregularities and result alterations.
Despite these allegations, Mozambique’s Constitutional Council upheld Frelimo’s victory, declaring Daniel Chapo the president-elect. Chapo is set to succeed President Filipe Nyusi, who has completed his maximum two terms.
The political unrest has also impacted neighboring countries. Thousands of Mozambicans have reportedly fled to Malawi, while South Africa temporarily closed its border with Mozambique following violent incidents near the crossing.
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has announced plans to send a delegation to Mozambique to seek a resolution to the ongoing turmoil.
Frelimo has faced accusations of election rigging since Mozambique’s first democratic election in 1994, following a 15-year civil war against the rebel group Renamo, now an opposition party.
The protests, which have spread across several major cities since October, represent the most significant challenge to Frelimo’s rule since the end of the civil war in 1992.
READ ALSO: Group Petitions President for Removal of Electoral Commission Leadership
