Venancio Mondlane, the main opposition candidate in Mozambique’s contested October election, returned to Maputo on Monday after more than two months in self-imposed exile.
Emerging from the airport with a Bible in hand, Mondlane prayed before symbolically taking an “oath” akin to a presidential swearing-in ceremony. Addressing his supporters, he proclaimed himself the legitimately elected president, asserting that he was prepared for dialogue with the government.
Mondlane’s return comes amid ongoing political unrest, with protests over the election results leading to hundreds of deaths, many caused by police gunfire. The opposition leader vowed to halt the violence against his supporters and to join the demonstrations calling for electoral justice.
Meanwhile, Daniel Chapo, the candidate from the ruling Frelimo party, is set to be inaugurated as President on Wednesday, January 15, despite widespread allegations of election irregularities.
