Mozambique opposition leader returns from self-imposed exile

Mozambique’s main opposition leader has returned from self-imposed exile saying he still rejects the results of a disputed election last year that has sparked more than two months of protests and a violent crackdown by security forces.

Security forces fired tear gas at hundreds of his supporters who gathered near the main international airport to welcome Venancio Mondlane home.

Mr Mondlane arrived at Mavalane International Airport in the capital, Maputo, to applause from some airport workers, before kneeling in the arrivals hall with a bible in his left hand.

“I want to fight within this country and I will, until the very end, keep fighting for this country,” Mr Mondlane said.

Mr Mondlane had left the country in October following an election clouded by allegations of rigging against the long-ruling Frelimo party, which has been in power since Mozambique gained independence from Portugal in 1975.

More than 100 people have been killed by security forces, according to international human rights groups, since Mozambique erupted in protests after Frelimo was declared the winner of the October 9 election.

Some local groups put the death toll at more than 200.

Mr Mondlane had called for people to protest against the results.

Mr Mondlane’s party called the killings political assassinations.

Police blocked roads leading to the airport on Thursday after Mr Mondlane said on social media earlier this week that he would return to the southern African country.

Tear gas drifted over the airport and surrounding roads and a helicopter hovered overhead.

Mr Mondlane later travelled by car to a public square in central Maputo, with large crowds following him.

Thousands of his supporters were expected to gather in Maputo for his return, prompting the clampdown by security forces, which human rights groups have accused of using excessive force against post-election protesters.

Mr Mondlane accused authorities of kidnapping and killing some anti-government protesters.

But he also said he was willing to enter into negotiations with Frelimo to end the months of unrest, which had disrupted the country of 33 million.

Mozambique has also been battling a violent insurgency by jihadists in the north.

“I’m here in flesh and blood to say that if you want to negotiate, if you want to talk to me, if you want to come to the conversation table, I’m here,” Mr Mondlane said.

Mr Mondlane and other opposition candidates accused Frelimo of rigging the election and international observers reported irregularities in the vote and the alteration of some results.

He is due to be inaugurated next week to succeed President Filipe Nyusi, who has served the maximum two terms.

Mr Mondlane came second in the official results.

The post-election unrest has spilled over to neighbouring countries, with reports of thousands of Mozambicans fleeing to Malawi. South Africa closed its border with Mozambique for several days last year after vehicles were set on fire near the crossing.

The Southern African Development Community, a regional body, has said it will send a delegation to Mozambique in an attempt to find a solution to end the turmoil.