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

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.

Mozambique's opposition leader is expected to return from exile Thursday to push his claim to have won presidential elections, risking an escalation in a dispute about the vote just days ahead of the swearing in of his rival.

Mozambique's prominent opposition leader, Venancio Mondlane, landed at Maputo's main airport on Thursday, returning home from more than two months of exile. Mondlane, who a large group of journalists met after exiting the airport building,

Some speculate that Frelimo is 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 opposition leader Venâncio Mondlane, who has been calling for protests for weeks from exile, has said he will return to the country on Thursday. Mondlane said he would arrive ahead of the swearing-in of a new president next week.

The Mozambique opposition leader who has led more than two months of deadly protests against disputed election results from outside the country announced Sunday he would return ahead of the inauguration of the new president.

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.