Mozambique’s main opposition leader, Venancio Mondlane, returned to Maputo on Thursday after spending over two months in exile. His return follows a contentious election on October 9, which Mondlane claims was rigged against him.
Mondlane arrived at Maputo’s main airport to a crowd of reporters and supporters. Speaking to journalists after exiting the terminal, he reiterated his stance on the disputed election.
“The October 9 election was stolen from me,” he declared. Mondlane went into hiding after tensions over the election results escalated into violent protests, leaving dozens dead.
Standing before the media, he stated firmly, “I am here in the flesh to say that if you want to negotiate… I’m here.”
Mondlane’s return is seen as a significant moment in Mozambique’s ongoing political crisis, as calls for dialogue and reconciliation grow louder.
