The leader of the Mozambican opposition, who has led more than two months of deadly protests against disputed election results from abroad, announced on Sunday that he would return before the inauguration of the new president.
Venancio Mondlane, who left the country after the assassination of his lawyer on October 19, said in a live Facebook message that he would arrive at Maputo’s Mavalane Airport on Thursday.
Since his self-imposed exile in an undisclosed location, he has called for protests against the results of the October 9 election. The protests have resulted in around 300 deaths, according to a toll compiled by a local human rights group.
According to results verified by the Constitutional Council, Mondlane received 24% of the vote, compared to 65% for the candidate from the ruling FRELIMO party, Daniel Chapo.
Swearing-In
Chapo, 47, is expected to take the oath of office on January 15, succeeding President Filipe Nyusi, who has already served two terms.
Mondlane insists that the election was stolen from him, and another count declared him the winner.
Several international observation missions also reported irregularities.
“If they kill my brothers, they assassinate my brothers, then I will be there,” Mondlane said.
“If it’s for me, if it’s because of Venancio, then Venancio will be, on Thursday, at 8 a.m., at Mavalane International Airport,” he added.
The FRELIMO has governed the country since its independence from Portugal in 1975.
