Mozambique’s leading opposition figure made his return from exile on Thursday, as security forces deployed tear gas against the throngs of supporters who had gathered at the main international airport to greet him.
Venancio Mondlane was spotted disembarking from a flight at Mavalane International Airport in Maputo. He had fled the nation in October following a contentious election that ignited months of violent unrest and plunged the country into chaos.
Mondlane expressed that he left Mozambique out of fear for his safety after two prominent members of his opposition party were fatally shot in their vehicle by unidentified assailants during a late-night incident following the election.
On Thursday, police also obstructed access to the airport after Mondlane announced on social media earlier in the week his intention to return to the southern African nation. Tear gas wafted through the airport vicinity, and a helicopter circled above.
Thousands of Mondlane’s supporters were anticipated to converge in Maputo for his homecoming, leading to the heightened security measures by authorities.
Since the outbreak of protests that Mondlane had called for after the long-dominant Frelimo party was declared the victor of the October 9 election, over 100 individuals have lost their lives at the hands of security forces. Mondlane and other opposition candidates have accused the ruling party of electoral fraud, with international observers noting irregularities in the voting process and the manipulation of certain results.
Last month, Mozambique’s Constitutional Council affirmed Frelimo’s victory, paving the way for its candidate, Daniel Chapo, to become the president-elect. He is set to be inaugurated next week, succeeding President Filipe Nyusi, who has reached the limit of two terms in office.
Frelimo has maintained its grip on power in Mozambique for 50 years since the nation achieved independence from Portugal in 1975. The party has frequently faced allegations of election rigging since the first democratic elections were held in 1994. The recent protests in various major cities represent the most significant challenge to Frelimo’s authority.
