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Supporters of Mozambique’s opposition leader Ven\u00e2ncio Mondlane have been injured as police tried to break up the crowds who had come to meet him after his return from self-imposed exile on Thursday.<\/p>\n
He left the country saying he thought his life was in danger following October’s disputed presidential election that sparked deadly protests.<\/p>\n
Mondlane landed at the main airport in the capital, Maputo, amid tension and heavy security, with thousands having gathered to welcome him.<\/p>\n
His return came ahead of next week’s swearing-in of Daniel Chapo as president. He was the candidate of the ruling Frelimo party, and was confirmed as the winner of October’s poll by the constitutional court.<\/p>\n
The final official results from declared by the country’s highest court just over a fortnight ago gave Chapo 65% of the vote and Mondlane, in second place, with 24%.<\/p>\n
Frelimo has been in power for the past five decades since independence from Portugal.<\/p>\n
After having emerged from the airport building, video shows Mondlane kneeling on the ground with a Bible in his hand being cheered by supporters.<\/p>\n
The 50-year-old Pentecostal preacher began to pray and then said that he had won the election.<\/p>\n
“I, Venancio Mondlane, president-elect by the Mozambican people\u2026 elected by the genuine will of the people \u2013 swear on my honour to serve the Mozambican homeland and its people,” he declared.<\/p>\n
He said he was returning to be closer to the protest movement that has seen weeks of nationwide demonstrations in which dozens of people have been killed.<\/p>\n