Tanzanian opposition leaders from ACT-Wazalendo were denied entry to Angola, effectively being deported back to Tanzania after a brief stay at Luanda International Airport. Leaders condemned this action, linking it to broader attempts to suppress opposition and dialogue for democracy within Africa. While some members stayed overnight, plans were made for their return after a controversial incident that raised concerns about political repression.
Tanzanian opposition leaders from the ACT-Wazalendo party recounted their recent experience at Luanda International Airport, where entry to Angola was denied. Party leader Dorothy Semu shared that most leaders were effectively deported back to Tanzania on the same Ethiopian Airlines flight just two and a half hours after arrival, while some leaders, including Zanzibar’s Vice President Othman Masoud Othman and Chadema Chairman Tundu Lissu, were compelled to remain overnight in Luanda.
The opposition leaders were traveling to Benguela for the Platform for African Democracy (PAD) conference when they were barred from entry. Notable individuals affected included Mozambican politician Venâncio Mondlane and former Botswana President Ian Khama. A letter issued to Angola’s migration authorities listed other barred persons from various countries, although Tanzanian officials were notably absent from this list.
In a statement, Mr. Othman expressed condemnation of the actions taken against them, emphasizing the importance of unity among African nations. Despite his dissatisfaction, he stated that he holds no resentment towards the Angolan people, who share longstanding ties with Tanzania. He declared his intention to forgo participation in the Africa Democracy Forum and return to Tanzania.
Ms. Semu characterized the actions of the Angolan government as an attempt to undermine the PAD conference, which could bolster opposition movements in Africa, especially in the context of Angola’s internal political landscape. She criticized the government for misusing its power to hinder democracy-enhancing dialogue, underscoring the absence of a clear rationale for their denial.
Although her passport remained unstamped for entry denial, Ms. Semu noted her SADC membership meant that no visa was necessary for entry. She called attention to the struggles faced by opposition parties across Africa, advocating for a collective approach in the pursuit of political reform. She reiterated that this recent incident has strengthened their resolve to persist in their democratic efforts.
According to Lieutenant General Mathew Mkingule, Tanzania’s High Commissioner to Zambia, some denied leaders were eventually permitted entry into Angola, receiving accommodation in a five-star hotel. He confirmed that plans were being made for their transportation back home, indicating a lack of clarity regarding the reasons for the initial denial.
The recent experience of Tanzanian opposition leaders at Luanda International Airport illustrates the challenges faced by political figures across Africa in promoting democracy. While the immediate denial of entry brought substantial concerns, it also highlighted the resilience of these leaders in pursuing democratic dialogue. The incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggles against political repression on the continent and the necessity for unified opposition movements to advocate for citizens’ rights.
Original Source: www.thecitizen.co.tz
