Maputo, Mozambique AP —Mozambique’s main opposition leader returned from exile Thursday as security forces fired tear gas at hundreds of his supporters who gathered near the main international airport to welcome him home. Venancio Mondlane was seen walking off a plane at Mavalane International Airport in the capital, Maputo. Supporters of Mozambique's opposition leader Venancio Mondlane gesture near a checkpoint as they try to get closer to the airport in Maputo on January 9, 2025. Frelimo has been in power in Mozambique for 50 years since the country gained independence from Portugal in 1975. The party has often been accused of rigging elections since Mozambique held its first democratic vote in 1994.

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Persons: Venancio Mondlane, Mondlane, Venancio, Amilton Neves, Frelimo’s, Daniel Chapo, Filipe Nyusi Organizations: Mozambique AP, Mavalane, Police, Getty, Mozambique’s Locations: Maputo, Mozambique, Portugal