Zanzibar’s First Vice President, Othman Massoud, was denied entry into Angola at Luanda Airport alongside a Tanzanian delegation and other prominent figures. They were detained without explanation while on their way to a democracy and governance conference. Key reactions include criticism from Tanzanian politicians, as the incident suggests tensions between the nations.
Othman Massoud Othman, Zanzibar’s First Vice President, along with a Tanzanian delegation, faced denial of entry into Angola at Luanda Airport. This incident involved significant figures such as Mozambican politician Venâncio Mondlane and former Botswana President Ian Khama. Upon arrival, they were detained without any official explanation, calling into question the diplomatic relationship between Tanzania and Angola.
The group, which included ACT-Wazalendo party leader Dorothy Semu, was in Angola to participate in a conference on democracy and governance, organized with the Friedrich Ebert Foundation. Their passports were confiscated, including those of Othman and his security personnel, prompting reactions on social media regarding the diplomatic implications.
Prominent Tanzanian politician Zitto Kabwe criticized Angola’s actions on Twitter, labeling it a “disrespect shown by Angola to Tanzania”. He expressed concern, questioning the Tanzanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs about their approach towards this diplomatic incident, noting that their delegation, led by Semu, had been detained at the airport.
Reports indicate that other opposition leaders from countries such as Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia, and Ukraine were also denied entry to Angola, as outlined in an official letter reviewed by The Citizen. Those included Sharif Ssenyonjo Najja and Bobi Wine from Uganda, along with several others, demonstrating a broader pattern of denial affecting invited guests from various nations.
The Tanzanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has yet to make a public statement regarding the situation but is reportedly seeking urgent clarification from Angola concerning the entry denials. Meanwhile, Angolan authorities have not provided explanations for the detentions, leaving the situation unresolved and under scrutiny.
The denial of entry for Zanzibar’s First Vice President and other political figures into Angola raises serious concerns about diplomatic relations between Tanzania and Angola. Despite their invitation to a significant conference, they were detained without clear justification. The broader implications of this incident, particularly regarding the treatment of international guests and the need for diplomatic dialogue, remain to be addressed.
Original Source: www.thecitizen.co.tz
