Mozambique’s main opposition leader, Venâncio Mondlane, has returned from exile, sparking a tense reception as security forces fired tear gas at hundreds of his supporters gathered near the main international airport in the capital, Maputo. Mondlane, who fled the country in October fearing for his life, was seen walking off a plane at Mavalane International Airport.
The return of the opposition leader comes amid a disputed election that has sparked months of violent protests and thrown the country into turmoil. The long-ruling Frelimo party was declared the winner of the October 9 election, but Mondlane and other opposition candidates accused the ruling party of rigging the election.
International observers reported irregularities in the vote and the alteration of some results. Despite this, Mozambique’s Constitutional Council upheld Frelimo’s victory last month, making its candidate, Daniel Chapo, the president-elect. He is due to be inaugurated next week to succeed President Filipe Nyusi, who has served the maximum two terms.
Frelimo has been in power in Mozambique for 50 years since the country gained independence from Portugal in 1975. The party has often been accused of rigging elections since Mozambique held its first democratic vote in 1994. The latest street protests in several major cities have been the biggest threat to Frelimo’s rule.
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