Fatal Police Response to Mondlane’s Arrival
Three people were fatally shot by police in Mozambique on Thursday as they gathered to welcome opposition leader Venancio Mondlane. The leader returned from self-imposed exile following October’s disputed presidential elections, sparking widespread unrest.
Local news agency Agencia de Informacao de Mozambique (AIM) reported that police deployed live ammunition to disperse thousands of Mondlane’s supporters.
“The shooting began before Mondlane’s plane landed and continued as Mondlane was driven to the centre of the city (the capital Maputo),” AIM stated. 
Mounting Casualties Amid Protests
Mozambique has experienced escalating protests since October 21, when the opposition began disputing the election results. Daniel Chapo of the ruling FRELIMO party was declared the winner with 65% of the vote, while Mondlane secured only 24%. Mondlane rejected the results, claiming he was the rightful victor, and called for mass protests.
The Constitutional Council upheld Chapo’s victory last month, intensifying the unrest. Civil society and election monitoring groups report that approximately 300 people have died since the protests began, with most casualties resulting from gunfire by security forces.
Mondlane’s Return Draws Massive Support
Upon his arrival in Maputo, Mondlane described himself as the “president elected by the Mozambican people, not by the Constitutional Council.” Thousands of his supporters flocked to the capital to attend a rally he organized.
Police intervened, citing public order concerns, and fired shots into the air to disperse the crowd. This action further strained tensions between opposition supporters and authorities.
Mondlane expressed a willingness to engage in dialogue with the government but insisted that discussions must occur “on his terms.”
A Critical Juncture for Mozambique
Mondlane characterized his return as a pivotal moment for Mozambique’s democracy, emphasizing the need for accountability and justice in resolving electoral disputes.
The government has not yet responded to Mondlane’s remarks, but political analysts warn that his return could deepen the country’s political divide if reconciliation efforts are not undertaken swiftly.
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