Tanzania’s ACT-Wazalendo opposition leaders were denied entry to Angola while en route to the Platform for African Democracy conference. Most were sent back immediately on the same Ethiopian Airlines flight, while some leaders stayed overnight. The incident has sparked criticism of Angola’s actions and raised concerns about the suppression of opposition movements across Africa.
Tanzania’s opposition party ACT-Wazalendo faced significant obstacles when their leaders were denied entry to Angola. Party leader Dorothy Semu described how most of the delegation boarded an Ethiopian Airlines flight to Luanda, only to be deported back to Tanzania within two and a half hours. Some members, including Zanzibar’s First Vice President Othman Masoud Othman and Chadema Chairman Tundu Lissu, were stranded overnight but efforts were underway to facilitate their return.
The leaders were on their way to attend the Platform for African Democracy (PAD) conference in Benguela, located 421 kilometers from Luanda. Notable figures from other countries also faced entry denial, including Mozambican politician Venâncio Mondlane and former Botswana President Ian Khama. A letter detailing the barred individuals included several prominent names from various African countries and emphasized the broader implications for regional cooperation.
In a statement, Othman criticized Angola for its actions and called for solidarity among African nations, reflecting on the need to honor the principles established by the continent’s founding leaders. Despite expressing disappointment, he affirmed his historical ties with Angola and declared his decision to return to Tanzania instead of participating in the Africa Democracy Forum, urging a rethink on diplomacy and democracy in Africa.
Semu highlighted that the denial of entry appeared aimed at stifling opposition movements, particularly concerning the increasing support for Unita in Angola, which gained significant electoral influence. The government’s fear of this opposition movement is believed to have contributed to actions taken against those attending the PAD conference.
She expressed discontent over the lack of explanations from airport officials for their treatment, noting that her passport was not scanned for an entry denial. As a citizen of a Southern African Development Community member, she was not required to obtain a visa. Semu remarked on the need for a collective effort among African opposition parties to combat the challenges they face.
In support, Tanzania’s High Commissioner to Zambia, Lieutenant General Mathew Mkingule, reported that some leaders denied entry were later accommodated in Angola, hinting at ongoing discussions regarding the incident. The opposition leaders remain resolute in their pursuit of democracy, viewing the event as a stimulus for positive change across the continent.
The denial of entry faced by Tanzania’s opposition leaders in Angola underscores the complexities of political dynamics in Africa. This incident reflects broader fears among governments regarding the strengthening of opposition movements and highlights the need for solidarity among African nations. As leaders navigate these challenges, their commitment to democratic principles remains steadfast, pushing for political change despite adversity.
Original Source: www.thecitizen.co.tz
