Mozambique’s political crisis deepened on Thursday as opposition leader Venancio Mondlane returned to the country after fleeing in the aftermath of the highly contentious October elections. Mondlane, who had sought refuge abroad following the violent demonstrations sparked by the disputed poll, has condemned the October 9 election as fraudulent. He has called on his supporters to take to the streets once again to protest the results, which saw the ruling Frelimo party extend its decades-long rule.
Mondlane’s return has further fueled tensions in the southern African nation. A heavy presence of riot police was reported around Maputo’s international airport, with thousands gathering to welcome the opposition leader. The situation quickly escalated, as tear gas was deployed on crowds and snipers were stationed on rooftops, heightening fears of further violence.
The protests, which have been ongoing for more than two months, have claimed the lives of at least 278 people, according to the civil society group Plataforma Decide. These protests erupted after the electoral commission’s announcement of Frelimo’s victory, which extended the party’s grip on power since its rise to prominence after the end of Portuguese colonial rule in 1975. The ruling party’s hold was further solidified despite claims of electoral fraud and irregularities, with the top court in December upholding the election results.
As the political unrest continues, Mozambique’s economy has been hit hard, with businesses suffering and border access to neighboring South Africa disrupted. Many citizens have sought refuge in neighboring Malawi and Eswatini, seeking safety from the violence that has gripped the country.
Next week, newly-elected President Daniel Chapo is set to be sworn in, further intensifying the uncertainty surrounding Mozambique’s future. Chapo and Frelimo have firmly denied any allegations of electoral fraud, but the situation remains volatile, with Mondlane’s return likely to reignite protests and political instability in the coming days.
