Mozambique's opposition leader, Venancio Mondlane, has returned to the country after months in exile, escaping the violence that erupted after the disputed October general elections.
His return reignites tensions in a nation already shaken by violent protests that have left hundreds dead.
Mondlane has repeatedly claimed the October 9 election was rigged and urged his supporters to demonstrate across the country, which has a population of 35 million. His call to action has contributed to sporadic unrest for over two months.
Thousands of Mondlane’s supporters gathered at Maputo’s international airport to welcome him. However, the area was heavily guarded by riot police, with snipers positioned on nearby buildings. According to witnesses, authorities used tear gas to disperse the crowd.
Protests erupted in mid-October when Mozambique's electoral commission announced results favoring the ruling Frelimo party, which has governed since 1975. Civil society group Plataforma Decide reported at least 278 fatalities since the demonstrations began.
Frelimo's dominance dates back to the country’s independence from Portuguese colonial rule, enduring through a 15-year civil war that ended in 1992. The party’s recent electoral victory, confirmed by Mozambique's top court in December despite concerns over fairness, has triggered further unrest.
The unrest has disrupted businesses, strained cross-border trade with South Africa, and forced some citizens to flee to neighboring Malawi and Eswatini for safety.
As newly-elected President Daniel Chapo prepares for his inauguration next week, tensions are expected to escalate. Chapo and Frelimo continue to deny allegations of electoral fraud, but opposition groups remain steadfast in their protests.
