Mozambique could plunge into further turmoil as opposition leader Venâncio Mondlane announced that he will return to the country next week.
This move is seen as timed to coincide with the planned inauguration of his main rival, President-elect Daniel Chapo, on January 15.
The self-exiled Mondlane, who has been leading over two months of deadly protests against disputed election results from outside the country, made the announcement in a Facebook live address on Sunday.
“Thursday, January 9th, at 8:05 minutes sharp, Venancio Mondlane will be at Mavalane International Airport,” he said.
Mondlane left Mozambique in October, citing fears for his life as he challenged the outcome of controversial elections held earlier that month, which placed him as runner-up to Chapo of Frelimo party and handed the ruling party victory in the parallel parliamentary poll.
He claims that he was cheated out of victory through manipulation of vote tallies by Mozambique’s electoral body and Frelimo.
The opposition leader has instigated violent protests since mid-October, mostly from exile in Europe.
His planned return just days before Chapo’s inauguration is likely to ignite further unrest across Mozambique.
JN/APA