His arrival in Maputo was met with a heavy police response as tear gas was deployed to disperse cheering supporters gathered to welcome him.

Mondlane, who accuses the ruling Frelimo party of rigging the election, declared his return a personal decision rather than a result of any political deal.

“My return does not result from any political agreement. My return is a unilateral decision to be in Mozambique,” he said at Maputo airport.

“I’m here to prove that I didn’t leave Mozambique out of fear.” Mondlane fled the country days after the election, citing threats to his life.

The election, officially won by Frelimo candidate Daniel Chapo, has been marred by allegations of fraud.

Observers reported irregularities, and Mozambique’s top court upheld Chapo’s victory in December despite these concerns.

Chapo is scheduled to be sworn in next week, a move that could escalate the ongoing unrest.

Mondlane, who officially garnered 20% of the vote, insists he is the legitimate president.

“I, Venancio Mondlane, [am the] president elected by the Mozambicans,” he declared, holding a Bible.

“Not by the Constitutional Council, not by the national commission of elections, but by the genuine will of the people.”

Violence and Fatalities

The political turmoil has sparked months of protests and violence.

At least one person was reportedly killed on Thursday when police fired on demonstrators.

Civil society group Plataforma Decide estimates that at least 278 people have died in post-election violence, which has also disrupted businesses and border crossings with South Africa.

Snipers were seen on buildings near the airport during Mondlane’s return, and riot police quickly moved in to break up the crowd.

Thousands of supporters had gathered, defying security threats.

The violence has forced some Mozambicans to flee to neighboring Malawi and Eswatini, seeking refuge from the chaos.

Frelimo, which has ruled Mozambique since independence in 1975, denies accusations of electoral fraud.

The ongoing crisis highlights the deep divisions in the country and raises questions about its political stability as Mondlane’s return adds new fuel to the protests.

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