Mozambique opposition leader returns from exile as police fire tear gas at supporters
MAPUTO, Mozambique (AP) – Mozambique’s main opposition leader returned from exile Thursday as security forces fired tear gas at hundreds of supporters who had gathered near the main international airport to welcome him home.
Venancio Mondlane was seen getting off the plane at Mavalane International Airport in the capital, Maputo. He had left the country in October following a disputed election that sparked months of violent protests that plunged the country into chaos.
Mondlane said he left Mozambique fearing for his life after two senior members of his opposition party were killed in their car by unknown gunmen in a shooting incident the night after the election.
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Police on Thursday again closed the roads to the airport after Mondlane said on social media earlier this week that he would return to the southern African country. Tear gas wafted around the airport and surrounding streets and a helicopter hovered overhead.
Thousands of Mondlane’s supporters were expected to gather in Maputo for his return, which led to the security forces being strengthened.
More than 100 people have been killed by the military since Mozambique erupted in protests that Mondlane called after the long-time ruling party Frelimo was declared the winner of the October 9 election. Mondlane and other opposition representatives accused the ruling party of electoral fraud and international observers reported irregularities in the votes and manipulation of the results. specific.
The Constitutional Council of Mozambique upheld the victory of Frelimo last month, which made Daniel Chapo, the president-elect. He will be inaugurated next week in place of President Filipe Nyusi, who has served two terms.
Frelimo has ruled Mozambique for 50 years since the country gained independence from Portugal in 1975. The party has been accused of electoral fraud since Mozambique held its first democratic vote in 1994. Recent street protests in major cities have been a major threat to Frelimo’s rule.
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