The political landscape of Mozambique is in turmoil as opposition leader Venâncio Mondlane returned to the country Thursday, months after fleeing and amidst widespread protests against the recent presidential election results, Bloomberg reports.
Mondlane, a charismatic figure who once rose to fame as a provocative political commentator, is challenging the victory of ruling party candidate Daniel Chapo, his former interviewer, in the October 9 election.
Mondlane’s return from exile has been met with both fervent support and heavy security presence. Large crowds gathered near the Maputo airport, chanting his name and braving the rain, while police repeatedly used tear gas to keep the crowds from approaching the terminal. Upon arrival, Mondlane, dressed in a dark suit, floral necklace, and holding a bible, declared to reporters that he was the people’s chosen president and was ready to negotiate with the government.
The post-election period has been marked by significant unrest and violence. Protests, largely directed by Mondlane through online broadcasts, have swept the nation. According to local monitoring group Decide Platform, at least 289 people have been killed, mostly by police gunfire. Mondlane claims the toll is over 400, while the government has yet to provide figures. The unrest has also had far-reaching economic consequences. Disruptions have impacted regional energy supplies, a critical chrome trade route, and have even led to a force majeure declaration from a graphite supplier to Tesla Inc. Furthermore, the instability is threatening to delay a $20 billion natural gas project led by TotalEnergies SE.
Mondlane’s rise to political prominence is unconventional. Once a bank technician, he gained a large following through his theatrical and often controversial public commentary. Known for his stunts like pulling out a banana on live TV to denote a “banana republic” or presenting a political rival with a miniature coffin, he has a knack for capturing the public’s attention. This has translated into an ability to mobilize large protests. The government has responded to the protests by shutting off the internet and deploying teargas and live bullets against protestors.
Targeting primarily the youth and unemployed – groups particularly vulnerable in a country ranking among the world’s poorest – Mondlane has been referred to as “the voice of the voiceless.” His dynamic style, including using slick social media videos, rap, and dancing, has helped him connect with millions of his compatriots, earning him the nickname VM7, for “the Ronaldo of Mozambican politics.”
While Mondlane garnered a surprising 24% of the vote, his call for “urban warfare” to topple the ruling Frelimo party has rattled the political establishment. Mondlane himself has a complex political past, having been a member of Frelimo before moving to a smaller party and then to Renamo, the main opposition. He ultimately left Renamo last year when they blocked his presidential bid, choosing to run independently backed by a smaller party.
His proposed reforms, including building 3 million houses and setting up a $500 million youth fund within five years, are viewed by some as ambitious, especially considering the country’s existing financial pressures.
Despite the tension, president-elect Daniel Chapo said his past working experience with Mondlane provides him an insight that may aid future discussions after his inauguration on January 15.
