Tanzania’s opposition leaders faced denial of entry into Angola en route to a democracy conference. Most were deported back to Tanzania, while a few remained behind. The leaders condemned the actions, claiming they aimed to suppress opposition movements. The incident raises concerns about political oppression in Africa and the need for unity among opposition parties.
Tanzania’s opposition party leaders, ACT-Wazalendo, have recounted their difficult experience at Luanda International Airport, where they were denied entry by Angolan authorities. Most of the delegation, including party leader Dorothy Semu, returned to Tanzania on the same Ethiopian Airlines flight after just two and a half hours. Other party members, including Zanzibar’s First Vice President Othman Masoud Othman and Chadema Chairman Tundu Lissu, were forced to spend the night in Luanda, as arrangements were being made for their return.
The opposition leaders were on their way to attend the Platform for African Democracy (PAD) conference in Benguela, approximately 421 kilometers from Luanda. Among those denied entry were notable figures such as Mozambican politician Venâncio Mondlane and former Botswana President Ian Khama, along with several other international political leaders from Uganda, Kenya, Ukraine, and Ethiopia. Notably, Tanzanian officials were not on the barring list.
In a statement, Mr. Othman criticized the incident, calling for Africans and the global community to honor the ideals of unity established by the continent’s founders. He expressed no resentment towards Angolans, despite the disruption, acknowledging Tanzania’s historical links with Angola. Subsequently, he decided against participating in the Africa Democracy Forum, deeming the event a needed reflection on the challenges facing African diplomacy and democracy.
Ms. Semu described their experience as a form of ‘deportation’ back to Tanzania, asserting the Angolan actions were intended to hinder the PAD conference, which could potentially bolster opposition movements in Africa, particularly the local party Unita, which gained significant votes in the 2022 elections. She criticized the Angolan government for utilizing bureaucratic systems to thwart discussions important for democracy.
Airport authorities failed to provide clear reasons for the denial, adhering to higher-level orders. Notably, Ms. Semu’s passport was not stamped with an entry denial as she is from a Southern African Development Community (SADC) member nation, which does not require a visa for entry.
She remarked on the ongoing struggles faced by opposition parties across Africa, emphasizing the necessity for a unified approach to promote democratic change. “This incident has given us new resolve to continue our efforts,” she stated, underscoring their commitment to fighting for democracy. The diplomatic corps, including Tanzania’s High Commissioner to Zambia, was also impacted, indicating a broader concern among African leaders about governmental restrictions.
Lt. Gen. Mkingule confirmed that some leaders were eventually granted entry into Angola with accommodations arranged, although the reasons for the initial denial remain unclear. He expressed his intent to arrange transportation for those affected as they return home.
The incident involving Tanzania’s opposition leaders denied entry to Angola highlights serious concerns regarding governmental restrictions on democratic discourse in Africa. As opposition movements face growing challenges, figures like Ms. Semu and Mr. Othman stress the importance of unity among opposition parties. The incident serves as a reminder of the prevalence of political suppression, emphasizing the need for continued advocacy for democratic values across the continent.
Original Source: www.thecitizen.co.tz
