Tensions are high in Mozambique as the leader of the opposition party returns from exile
The leader of the opposition in Mozambique, Venâncio Mondlane, has returned home from exile where he was hiding following the October presidential election dispute that sparked protests that killed many people.
Mondlane arrived at the main airport in the capital, Maputo, on Thursday morning amid chaos and heavy security, with thousands of people gathered to welcome him.
He said he is returning to be close to the protesting organization that has been protesting for weeks across the country when a large number of people have been killed.
His return comes before next week's swearing in as president of Daniel Chapo, of the ruling Frelimo party, who was confirmed as the winner of the October election by the constitutional court.
After appearing at the airport building, a video showing Mondlane kneeling down with a Bible in his hand was enjoyed by his fans.
He first prayed and swore that he would serve the people of Mozambique as a president elected by the people and not the court.
In his first words, Mondlane said he is ready to talk about how to resolve the disagreement on the voting issue which he says was stolen from him.
“I am here in the flesh to say that if you want to negotiate…I am here,” he said.
Mondlane has been organizing protests through programs broadcast on Facebook, but at the weekend he announced that he is coming back, saying “they don't need to chase me anymore”.
In a defiant message he said: “If [the authorities] they want to kill me, but the fight will continue.”
Before he arrived, the airport was heavily guarded by the police trying to prevent Mondlane's supporters from arriving at the area.
The roads leading to the airport were closed as the security forces prevented people from going to the airport unless they had boarding tickets.
Tear gas was fired into the crowd in the area and the shooters were placed in nearby buildings, Reuters news agency reported.
Mondlane said his return was a “joint decision” that did not come from any political agreement.
He is adamant that he won the election and earlier he said he will install himself as president on January 15th.
The last official results from the constitutional court two weeks ago gave Chapo 65% of the votes and Mondlane 24%.
Since the October election, waves of protests have left more than 270 people dead, including protesters, children and members of the security forces, according to rights groups.
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