Masoud Othman, leader of ACT-Wazalendo, has accused CCM leaders of distorting facts regarding the blockage of his convoy in Angola. The incident escalated tensions between the opposition and the ruling party, with calls for government accountability and clarity on the blockade’s circumstances. Othman asserts all protocols were followed, while CCM leaders challenge this claim and seek to shift the focus on the opposition’s procedures.
The current political landscape in Tanzania has intensified as ACT-Wazalendo Chairman, Masoud Othman, publicly accused leaders of the ruling Chama cha Mapinduzi (CCM) of misrepresenting the circumstances surrounding the obstruction of his convoy at Quatro de Fevereiro Airport in Angola. Othman urged government authorities to address the issue, specifically targeting CCM Vice-Chairman Stephen Wasira and Secretary Hamis Mbetto.
Othman and other leaders were blocked from entering Angola during their participation in the African Democracy Forum (PAD). In response to the blockage, ACT-Wazalendo released a statement calling for the Tanzanian government to denounce the incident publicly. Wasira, while visiting Songwe, asserted that it was inappropriate for opposition leaders to blame the government for the actions taken by Angolan authorities, emphasizing that Angolan airport management likely had their own reasons for the blockade.
Mbetto commented that Othman and his delegation had failed to adhere to the required travel protocols, which purportedly led to their blockage. Othman refuted these claims, stating that all necessary permissions had been obtained from the President of Zanzibar and relevant authorities, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
He explained that an advance team had arrived five days prior to ensure all protocols were followed and expressed that Angola should have communicated any issues upon their arrival. Othman further defended his stance by suggesting that the Tanzanian government had no vested interest in obstructing their activities in Angola.
Mbetto responded firmly, stating that he had not committed any wrongdoing and advised Othman to learn to tolerate political dynamics. He questioned why Othman’s convoy faced issues when other opposition figures had successfully traveled abroad without incident.
Reflecting on Tanzania’s diplomatic relations, Mbetto reiterated that following proper procedures is essential for seamless travel, and cited examples of leaders traveling internationally without obstruction in the past. He criticized Othman for previously inciting unrest and insulting the Tanzanian President without facing consequences.
Dorothy Semu, an ACT-Wazalendo leader, expressed concerns over the government’s silence regarding the blockage and demanded explanations from the Tanzanian Ambassador to Angola. She also raised questions about the leadership capabilities of the President of Angola concerning the future agenda of the African Union (AU), given ongoing concerns related to democracy.
The recent incident involving the blockage of Tanzanian opposition leaders in Angola has sparked controversy and reciprocal accusations between the ACT-Wazalendo and CCM parties. The event highlights the complexities of political communication and the need for adherence to travel protocols. Calls for accountability and clarity from the Tanzanian government continue, as leaders emphasize the importance of democratic principles across the continent.
Original Source: www.thecitizen.co.tz
