Mondlane, Mozambique opposition leader, returns to Maputo from self-exile

Mozambican opposition leader Venancio Mondlane Thursday returned to the southern African nation from self-exile, defiantly claiming to have won a hotly contested election held in October 2024.

Mondlane’s supporters took to the streets of Maputo to celebrate his return and gather to meet him. However, security forces used tear gas to disperse the crowd.

Speaking with reporters from the airport in Maputo, Mondlane said his return “does not result from any political agreement,” adding that he returned to Mozambique to prove that he did not leave “out of fear.”

Mondlane maintained that he won the elections, despite the nation’s electoral body announcing Daniel Chapo, the candidate for the ruling Frelimo party, as the victor.

The opposition leader returned to Mozambique, a week before Chapo is set to be sworn into office.

Chapo, who will succeed outgoing President Filipe Nyusi, won the disputed elections with 70.67% of the national vote, according to the national election commission.

Mondlane and other Mozambican opposition leaders maintain that Chapo fraudulently won the elections. However, the nation’s ruling Frelimo party denies the allegations.

Source: VOA