What You Need to Know
Manuel Chang, the former Finance Minister of Mozambique, returned to his home country on April 5, 2026, after being deported from the United States. His arrival at Maputo International Airport coincided with Easter celebrations. Chang had previously faced bureaucratic issues that delayed his return. Reports indicate he appeared physically weak upon arrival, having served a prison sentence in the U
Africa-Press – Mozambique. Manuel Chang is back in Mozambique. Police sources confirmed to RFI that the former Finance Minister returned to the country early on Sunday afternoon, during the Easter celebrations.
After a failed return last week due to bureaucratic issues, Manuel Chang landed in Mozambique on 5 April 2026.
The former Finance Minister, who was serving a prison sentence in the United States, arrived around lunchtime at Maputo International Airport. Police sources told RFI that Chang was deported by US immigration and customs authorities. His arrival was also confirmed by sources cited by Integrity, who travelled on the same flight.
The Integrity sources reported that Chang appeared physically weak and had difficulties with his right arm and leg. Also on the flight were several members of the Assembly of the Republic, mainly from the Frelimo and Mozambique Democratic Movement (MDM) benches, some of whom sat next to Chang.
Manuel Chang arrived on Ethiopian Airlines flight ET 819, which departed at 08:55 and landed at Maputo International Airport at 13:20.
Manuel Chang was Mozambique’s Finance Minister from 2005 to 2015, a period marked by significant economic challenges and controversies surrounding public finance management. His involvement in a major corruption scandal led to his arrest in the United States in 2019, where he faced charges related to financial misconduct. His return to Mozambique marks a significant moment in the ongoing political and economic narrative of the country, as it grapples with the implications of past governance failures.
