Venancio Mondlane, Mozambique’s main opposition figure, has returned to the country on Thursday after a period of self-imposed exile, proclaiming himself the rightful “president-elect” and rejecting the results of last year’s controversial election.
Mondlane’s return to Maputo’s Mavalane International Airport was marked by dramatic scenes as security forces deployed tear gas to disperse hundreds of supporters who had gathered to welcome him. Arriving with a bible in hand, Mondlane knelt in the arrivals hall and vowed to continue his fight against what he described as a flawed electoral process.
“I want to fight within this country and I will, until the very end, keep fighting for this country,” Mondlane said. “I’m not willing to accept election results if they are the same as those announced up until now.”
The opposition leader fled Mozambique in October following an election marred by accusations of fraud against the long-ruling Frelimo party, which has governed the country since its independence from Portugal in 1975.
The disputed election has triggered over two months of protests and a violent government crackdown. Rights groups report that security forces have killed more than 100 protesters, with some local organisations estimating the death toll at over 200. The unrest escalated after the Constitutional Council upheld Frelimo’s victory, securing a second-place finish for Mondlane. Daniel Chapo, Frelimo’s candidate, is scheduled to be inaugurated on 15 January after winning over 65% of the vote.
Amid allegations of election rigging and reports of irregularities by international observers, Mondlane urged his supporters to protest. The unrest has drawn international condemnation, with rights organisations accusing security forces of firing live ammunition at peaceful demonstrators, some of whom were children. Mozambican authorities defended their actions, claiming the protests were violent and required intervention.
In his remarks, Mondlane accused the government of abducting and killing anti-government protesters, yet he expressed willingness to engage in dialogue with the ruling party. “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,” he said.
The ongoing unrest has also affected neighbouring countries. Thousands of Mozambicans have reportedly sought refuge in Malawi, while South Africa temporarily closed its border with Mozambique last year after vehicles were set ablaze near the crossing.
Mozambique continues to face a complex crisis, with the political unrest compounded by a violent jihadist insurgency in the northern region, further destabilising the country of 33 million.
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