Blitz Bureau
MAPUTO: Mozambique’s main opposition leader returned from exile on January 9 as security forces fired teargas at hundreds of his supporters who gathered near themain international airport to welcome him home, reports africanews.com.
VenancioMondlane was seen walking off a plane at Mavalane International Airport in the capital, Maputo, said the news portal report. He had left the country in October following a disputed election that has sparked months of violent protests and thrown the country into turmoil.
Mondlane said he left Mozambique fearing for his life after two senior members of his opposition party were killed in their car by unknown gunmen in a late-night shooting in the aftermath of the election. Police on January 9 also blocked roads leading to the airport after Mondlane said on social media earlier this week he would return to the southern African country. Tear gas drifted over the airport and surrounding roads and a helicopter hovered overhead.
Thousands of Mondlane’s supporters were expected to gather in Maputo for his return, prompting the clampdown by security forces. More than 100 people have been killed by security forces since Mozambique erupted in protests that Mondlane called for after the long-ruling Frelimo party was declared the winner of the October 9 election. Mondlane and other Opposition candidates accused the ruling party of rigging the election and international observers reported irregularities in the vote and the alteration of some results.
Mozambique’s Constitutional Council upheld Frelimo’s victory last month, making its candidate, Daniel Chapo, the President-elect. He is due to be inaugurated next week to succeed President Filipe Nyusi, who has served the maximum two terms.
