Mozambique’s main opposition leader has returned from self-imposed exile as security forces fired tear gas at hundreds of his supporters who gathered near the main international airport to welcome him

Mozambique opposition leader Venancio Mondlane returned home on Thursday, after fleeing in the days following a hotly contested October election that sparked demonstrations in which scores of protesters have been killed.

Police in Mozambique fired tear gas at demonstrators welcoming the return of opposition leader Venâncio Mondlane after October's disputed vote. View on euronews

Supporters of Mozambique's opposition leader Venâncio 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. He had left the country saying he thought his life was in danger following October's disputed presidential election that sparked deadly protests.

Mozambique’s main opposition leader has returned from self-imposed exile saying he still rejects the results of a disputed election last year that has sparked more than two months of protests and a violent crackdown by security forces.

Some speculate that Frelimo has been instigating chaos as an excuse to crack down. Security forces have killed around 300 people since the protests began, including 176 in the final week of December alone,

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.

Venâncio Mondlane left Mozambique two months ago saying he feared for his life

Venâncio Mondlane holds ‘inauguration’ at airport amid fears that deadly stand-off with ruling party could destabilise region