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Mozambique’s exiled opposition leader, Venâncio Mondlane, made a dramatic return to his home country for the first time since last year’s disputed elections. In a bold move for power, Mondlane knelt down to pray and held his own “inauguration” as tens of thousands of supporters gathered to welcome him.
Mondlane’s return comes just a week before the official swearing-in of the ruling party Frelimo’s candidate, Daniel Chapo. This move threatens to escalate the ongoing stand-off, which poses the biggest challenge to Frelimo’s fifty-year reign. The country has faced significant unrest, with at least 230 people killed by security forces during the confrontations.
The protests, the largest since Mozambique gained independence, have not only brought the economy to a standstill but have also caused concern among investors like Total and Exxon. These companies are gearing up to invest billions in offshore gasfields in the north of the country.
After fleeing Mozambique following the October 9 election, Mondlane has been leading anti-government protests from a secret location abroad, using nightly Facebook broadcasts to communicate with his supporters. He alleges that the government has made attempts on his life and that the election results were flawed.
While Frelimo declared victory in the October polls, independent observers have raised serious concerns about the electoral process. Mondlane, on the other hand, claims that his own parallel tally shows him as the rightful winner.
Upon Mondlane’s arrival at the Maputo airport, supporters were met with heavy security presence, including armed police and soldiers. Despite the tense atmosphere, Mondlane knelt in prayer upon his arrival and then proceeded to hold his own symbolic inauguration, declaring himself the “president-elect of the people of Mozambique.”
Although Mondlane’s gesture holds no legal weight, it has captured the public’s imagination and raised concerns about potential escalation of violence from the government. Analysts and diplomats fear that Frelimo may respond with force to quell the growing support for Mondlane.
The protests have already taken a toll on the economy, with disruptions at ports and borders affecting exports of key commodities like chrome ore and aluminium. The region, particularly South Africa, is feeling the economic impact of the unrest.
As tensions continue to rise, the future remains uncertain. Some speculate about the possibility of a coup or a government of national unity as potential outcomes. The army, which has been less involved in suppressing demonstrations compared to the police, is closely monitoring the situation to see how Mondlane’s popular support evolves.
In the midst of uncertainty, one thing is clear – Mozambique is at a critical juncture, with the fate of the country hanging in the balance. The world watches as Mondlane’s return sparks hope for change but also raises fears of further violence and instability.
