Mozambican opposition leader Venâncio Mondlane has returned from exile, where he went into hiding after October’s disputed presidential elections, which sparked deadly protests.
Mondlane landed at the capital Maputo’s main airport on Thursday morning amid tension and heavy security, with thousands of people gathering to welcome him.
He said he was returning to be closer to the protest movement, which has seen weeks of nationwide demonstrations that have left dozens of people dead.
His return comes ahead of the swearing-in next week as president of Daniel Chapo, of the ruling Frelimo party, who was confirmed by the constitutional court as the winner of October’s elections.
After emerging from the airport building, video shows Mondlane kneeling on the ground with a Bible in his hand as supporters cheered him on.
He began to pray and swear that he would serve the people of Mozambique as president, elected by the people and not by a court.
In his initial comments, Mondlane said he was willing to talk about how to resolve tension over the disputed poll, which he said was stolen from him.
“I’m here in the flesh to say that if you want to negotiate… I’m here,” he said.
Mondlane has been organizing protests through Facebook broadcasts, but announced his impending return last weekend, saying they “don’t have to chase me anymore.”
In a defiant message he said: “If [the authorities] wish they could kill me, but the fight will continue.”
Prior to his landing, the airport was heavily guarded by police officers who tried to prevent Mondlane’s supporters from reaching the area.
Roads leading to the airport were blocked by security forces who prevented people from going to the airport unless they had a ticket for a flight.
Tear gas was fired into crowds in the area and snipers were positioned on nearby buildings, Reuters news agency reported.
Mondlane said his return was “a unilateral decision” that did not result from any political agreement.
He claims he won the election and has previously said he would install himself as president on January 15.
The final official results from the constitutional court two weeks ago gave Chapo 65% of the votes and Mondlane 24%.
Since elections in October, waves of protests have killed more than 270 people, including demonstrators, children and members of the security forces, according to rights groups.
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