Venâncio Mondlane, the prominent opposition leader of Mozambique, has announced his return from exile, signaling a new stage in the country’s protracted political crisis. Mondlane plans to land in Maputo on Thursday, just days before the newly elected president, Daniel Chapo of the ruling Frelimo party, is scheduled to be sworn into office.
Mondlane has disputed the election results, which awarded Chapo victory by a considerable margin. Protests led by Mondlane’s supporters have swept through Mozambique since October, leaving dozens dead. He left the country that same month, citing personal safety concerns after two of his aides were fatally shot. In a social media broadcast, he defiantly informed authorities that there was no need to pursue him any longer, as he fully intends to return to Maputo.
Despite the constitutional court confirming the election outcome—adjusting Chapo’s initial 71 percent tally to 65 percent while Mondlane’s share rose to 24 percent—Mondlane maintains he rightfully won. He has called for continuous demonstrations until what he terms “electoral truth” prevails, while also voicing intentions to self-declare as president on January 15, the day of Chapo’s inauguration.
International observers have noted various irregularities in the voting process, including alleged manipulation of vote counts. The tension has contributed to nationwide instability, forcing many businesses to close and prompting thousands of Mozambicans to flee to neighboring states. Frelimo leaders, including outgoing President Filipe Nyusi, have called for dialogue, but a swift resolution appears uncertain as Mondlane’s return looms on the horizon.