Tanzania’s ACT-Wazalendo and ruling CCM blame each other for the blockage of opposition leader Masoud Othman’s convoy in Angola, affecting their participation in the African Democracy Forum. Othman claims all travel protocols were followed, while CCM leaders suggest otherwise, emphasizing procedural adherence as pivotal in avoiding such incidents. The incident raises questions about the effectiveness of leadership surrounding democracy in Africa.
Tanzania’s opposition party ACT-Wazalendo and the ruling Chama cha Mapinduzi (CCM) are involved in a conflict regarding the blockage of an opposition leader’s convoy in Angola. ACT-Wazalendo Chairman Masoud Othman alleges senior CCM officials have misrepresented the situation surrounding his impeded access at Quatro de Fevereiro Airport. Othman calls for action against CCM leaders Stephen Wasira and Hamis Mbetto for jeopardizing the government’s reputation.
Othman was part of a delegation, including Chadema Chairman Tundu Lissu, that was denied entry to Angola to attend the African Democracy Forum. Subsequently, ACT-Wazalendo condemned the blockade and requested public denunciation from the Tanzanian government. Wasira contended that the opposition leaders could not blame the government since the Angolan airport is under national management and may have had valid reasons for the blockade.
Mbetto, the CCM Secretary for Ideology and Training, stated that Othman’s group failed to comply with necessary travel protocols to Angola, resulting in their inaccessibility. In his defense, Othman insists all proper procedures were followed, including obtaining permissions from Zanzibar President Dr. Hussein Mwinyi and relevant government departments before departure.
Othman emphasizes that any procedural errors should be attributed to Angolan authorities, who he argues should have communicated their concerns upon the group’s arrival. He dismissed any notion that Tanzanian officials would aim to obstruct their attendance at events in Angola, stating that local conditions led to the blockage.
Responding to criticisms, Mbetto claimed that neither he nor Wasira should be held responsible, encouraging Othman to learn to navigate the political landscape more effectively. He queried why Othman was stopped when other opposition figures had successful travels abroad, citing past experiences of the late President Seif Sharif Hamad as a standard.
Mbetto also suggested that Othman, who has previously made incendiary remarks against President Mwinyi, should not expect special treatment due to his past actions. In contrast, ACT-Wazalendo leader Dorothy Semu called for transparency from the government regarding the blockage and insisted that the issue be addressed by the Tanzanian ambassador to Angola. Semu raised questions about the capacity of the Angolan President, who currently chairs the African Union (AU), to effectively uphold the democratic agenda given the incident.
The event in question is part of the ongoing discussions within the African Democracy Forum, which aims to strengthen political engagement across the continent. The forum’s objective addresses key issues of governance and democracy, underlining the necessity for accountable leadership in African nations.
The ongoing dispute between Tanzania’s opposition ACT-Wazalendo and the ruling CCM highlights significant concerns regarding the treatment of political leaders abroad. The controversy stems from the blockage of ACT-Wazalendo’s convoy in Angola, with each side blaming the other for the incident. The political implications extend beyond Tanzania, questioning the ability of African leaders to uphold democratic principles. Transparency and accountability from the Tanzanian government are essential in alleviating concerns and ensuring adequate representation at international forums.
Original Source: www.thecitizen.co.tz
