Mondlane said he would arrive ahead of the swearing-in of a new president next week. Daniel Chapo of the ruling Frelimo party is due to be sworn next Wednesday after a court confirmed his election victory. But Mondlane, the runner-up, rejected the outcome, sparking violent protests that have left dozens dead since October. Mondlane left Mozambique the same month saying he feared for his life, after two of his aides were shot dead. In a Facebook live address on Sunday, he sent out a defiant message to the authorities saying he "will be in Maputo.
They don't need to chase me any more". Children shot dead after joining pot-banging protests in Mozambique. He said he would arrive at local time GMT on Thursday at the international airport in Maputo, calling for people to welcome him there.
You can do what you want. If you want to murder, murder. If you want to arrest, arrest too. I will be there," he said. Mondlane maintains that he won the election and has called for more protests until there is "electoral truth". His supporters have frequently staged violent protests across the country to demand an end to the year-rule of the Frelimo party.
He has previously said he would install himself as president on 15 January - on the presidential inauguration day - despite the court upholding his rival's victory. International election observers have previously said that the vote was flawed, pointing to doctored numbers and other irregularities during the counting process. Security forces have sought to end the nationwide protests in a violent crackdown that has tested the country's stability.
More than people have been killed, including protesters, children and members of the security forces, according to rights groups. The unrest has also affected the economy, with more than 12, people losing their jobs and over companies being vandalised. Neighbouring countries have also been affected by the political unrest, with thousands of Mozambicans fleeing across the border. Outgoing President Filipe Nyusi has in the past called for dialogue to resolve the dispute.
