Mozambique’s opposition leader Venancio Mondlane returned home Thursday after weeks in exile, claiming victory in October’s presidential elections.
His arrival sparked violent clashes, leaving one person dead and several wounded.
Police blocked thousands of jubilant supporters from reaching the airport to welcome Mondlane, who emerged holding a Bible and knelt in prayer.
As crowds tried to break through barricades, security forces opened fire, injuring eight people, some with gunshot wounds.
A man was killed in the city center as police dispersed demonstrators.
Mondlane, popular among marginalized youth, insists the election was rigged to favor Frelimo, which has ruled for 50 years.
Standing atop a car, he waved to supporters chanting his name and blowing vuvuzelas. Riot police withdrew as calm returned by evening.
The unrest underscores Mozambique’s political crisis, which has caused economic disruption and protests.
Mondlane pledged to join inter-party talks initiated by the government, signaling willingness to negotiate.
“If you want to negotiate… I’m here,” he said, reiterating his claim to the presidency.
Observers warn Mondlane’s return could either destabilize or resolve the crisis.
Analysts urge the ruling party to seize this moment for dialogue, seeing Mondlane as a unifying figure for the nation’s youth.