MAPUTO, Mozambique — Venancio Mondlane, the main opposition leader in Mozambique, returned to the country from self-imposed exile on Thursday, armed with a bible and a firm stance against the disputed election results from last year. His return has reignited tensions that have led to significant protests and violent crackdowns by security forces over the past two months.
Upon Mondlane's arrival at Mavalane International Airport in Maputo, security forces unleashed tear gas on crowds of his supporters who had gathered to welcome him. Despite the unrest, some airport employees applauded as Mondlane stepped off the plane and knelt in the arrivals hall, clutching his bible tightly.
In a passionate address, Mondlane declared, "I want to fight within this country and I will, until the very end, keep fighting for this country." He made it clear that he would not accept the election results as they currently stand. Following allegations of rigging, Mondlane had left Mozambique in October, fearing for his safety after two senior members of his party were shot and killed in a targeted attack.
The tension escalated after the ruling Frelimo party was declared the winner of the October 9 election, following which over 100 deaths caused by security forces have been reported, as documented by international human rights groups. Some estimates place the death toll even higher, with local groups alleging more than 200 fatalities. Mondlane had previously called for mass protests against the alleged electoral fraud.
After returning, Mondlane faced immediate police action, as authorities blocked roads leading to the airport. Tear gas filled the air, and helicopters circled overhead, signaling the government's firm grip on the situation. Once he managed to leave the airport, Mondlane was followed by large crowds as he made his way to a public square in central Maputo.
Authorities anticipated that thousands would gather for his return, prompting an aggressive response from security forces, who have been accused of using excessive force. While officials contend that the protests have been violent, rights groups report that security forces have fired live rounds into peaceful crowds, contributing to a climate of fear and tension.
Expressing his commitment to dialogue, Mondlane offered a more conciliatory tone towards the ruling party, indicating his willingness to enter negotiations with Frelimo to address the ongoing unrest and stabilize the country, which has a population of 33 million. He stated, "If you want to negotiate, if you want to talk to me, if you want to come to the conversation table, I’m here."
Allegations of election fraud continue to swirl, with Mondlane and other opposition candidates asserting that Frelimo manipulated the electoral process. International observers have noted irregularities, and Mozambique's Constitutional Council upheld Frelimo's victory last month, allowing its candidate, Daniel Chapo, to assume the presidency next week.
The post-election chaos is spilling over borders, with thousands of Mozambicans reportedly fleeing to Malawi to escape the violence. South Africa had to temporarily close its border with Mozambique last year following violent incidents near the crossing point. In response to the rising tensions, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) has pledged to send a delegation to Mozambique to help mediate the unrest.
Historically, Frelimo has faced accusations of election rigging since Mozambique's first democratic elections in 1994, which followed a brutal civil war. The ongoing protests represent a significant challenge to Frelimo's long-standing rule, making this period the most tumultuous since the end of the civil war in 1992.
