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Opposition leader’s return sparks hope and tension in Mozambique

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Opposition leader's return sparks hope and tension in Mozambique

Venâncio Mondlane’s arrival on January 9th ignites a fresh chapter in the nation’s deepening political crisis.

Tulani Ngwenya

MAPUTO, Mozambique – The country’s main opposition leader, Venâncio Mondlane, returned to Maputo on Thursday, 9 January 2025, after over two months in exile, marking a significant moment in the country’s ongoing political turmoil. His return follows the contentious general election held on 9 October, which Mondlane claims was rigged against him.

Mondlane’s arrival at Maputo’s Mavalane International Airport drew large crowds of supporters and reporters. In a dramatic and symbolic display, he knelt at the airport’s exit while clutching a Bible, signalling both defiance and solidarity with his followers.

“The October 9 election was stolen from me,” Mondlane told reporters.

“I am here in the flesh to say that if you want to negotiate… I’m here.”

Opposition leader's return sparks hope and tension in Mozambique

A controversial return

Mondlane went into hiding shortly after the election results sparked widespread protests that turned violent, leaving dozens dead. His return comes amid heightened tensions and growing calls for dialogue and reconciliation. Mondlane’s reappearance is his first public act since the murder of his lawyer during a legal battle to challenge the disputed election results.

Speaking to his supporters before his return, Mondlane framed his homecoming as a rallying cry for justice.

“I am not afraid. My body is at your disposal. Kill me, arrest me, do what you want. But my fight will never die,” he declared in a live video posted before he departed from Europe. Mondlane urged Mozambicans to meet him at the airport dressed in black or white to honour the memory of protesters who lost their lives.

Scenes of defiance and solidarity

Supporters responded to Mondlane’s call, gathering at the airport in the early morning, many dressed in symbolic colours. They waved banners, chanted slogans, and cheered as Mondlane addressed them. Security forces were present in large numbers but refrained from intervening, allowing the peaceful demonstration to proceed. Mondlane’s kneeling gesture, with the Bible in hand, underscored his reliance on faith and his commitment to the cause.

Opposition leader's return sparks hope and tension in Mozambique

However, tensions flared in some areas surrounding the airport. Police fired tear gas to disperse crowds and deployed snipers on nearby buildings. A Reuters witness reported that a man was shot and wounded by security forces at one of the barriers erected to restrict access to the airport.

Accusations of interference

Mondlane’s fiery rhetoric has amplified calls for transparency and accountability. He accuses the ruling Frelimo party of orchestrating voter fraud and violence to maintain its decades-long grip on power. His allegations extend beyond Mozambique’s borders, targeting Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa, whom he accuses of facilitating fraudulent voter registration.

“The government has blood on its hands,” Mondlane said, referencing the violent crackdown on post-election protests. Civil society monitoring group Plataforma Decide estimates that at least 278 people have died in the protests since mid-October. Observers have noted irregularities in the election process, and the Constitutional Council’s decision to validate the results has only fueled further unrest.

A nation at crossroads

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Opposition leader's return sparks hope and tension in Mozambique

Mondlane’s return has reignited hope among many Mozambicans who see him as a symbol of resistance against corruption and oppression. However, his reemergence also heightens the stakes in an already volatile political environment. Protests have disrupted businesses, border access with South Africa, and industries, while some citizens have fled to neighbouring countries like Malawi and Eswatini to escape the violence.

The Frelimo government denies the allegations and has urged calm, but opposition voices continue to grow louder. Analysts warn that the country could face further unrest if meaningful steps toward dialogue and electoral reform are not taken. Mondlane’s return also comes just days before President-elect Daniel Chapo’s scheduled inauguration on January 15th. Official results gave Chapo 65% of the vote compared to Mondlane’s 24%, though many observers have questioned the legitimacy of the process.

The international community is closely monitoring the situation. Mondlane’s next move and the government’s response will likely determine whether Mozambique’s political crisis can be resolved peacefully or escalate into deeper conflict.

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