EXILED opposition leader Venâncio Mondlane has announced his plans to return to Mozambique this Thursday, amid escalating protests and election disputes. Mondlane, who finished second in the contested election, has been in exile since October after two of his aides were killed and he received threats on his life. His return comes just days before the swearing-in of Daniel Chapo, the Frelimo party candidate, as the country’s new president.
Return ahead of inauguration
Mondlane, who rejects the court-confirmed election results, has continued to call for mass protests from exile, asserting that he won the election. The opposition leader has made it clear he will arrive at Maputo International Airport at 08:05 local time (06:05 GMT) on Thursday, encouraging supporters to welcome him. ‘If they are killing my brothers… then I will be there,’ Mondlane declared in a Facebook live address on Sunday, defiantly challenging the government to take action against him.
Protests turn violent
The rejection of the election results has sparked months of violent protests across Mozambique, leading to hundreds of deaths. Human rights groups report that at least 270 people have been killed, including children and members of the security forces. In addition to the deaths, the unrest has caused significant economic damage, with over 12,000 jobs lost and 500 businesses vandalised.
Electoral controversy and claims of fraud
Mondlane’s supporters believe the election was marred by irregularities and manipulation, with international observers highlighting issues in the vote counting process. While the electoral commission initially declared Chapo the winner with 71 percent of the vote, the constitutional court’s official results have since reduced his share to 65 percent, while Mondlane’s percentage grew to 24 percent. Despite this, the court upheld Chapo’s victory, which Mondlane continues to reject.
A divided nation
The political unrest has not only disrupted Mozambique but also affected neighbouring countries, as thousands of Mozambicans flee across the border. Outgoing President Filipe Nyusi has called for dialogue, but with no resolution in sight, the nation’s future remains uncertain.
With Mondlane set to return just before the inauguration, Mozambique braces for more unrest, as his supporters continue to demand ‘electoral truth’ and challenge the legitimacy of the government’s power.
