Zanzibar’s First Vice President Othman Masoud Othman was detained for eight hours at an Angolan airport along with other prominent leaders prior to the Africa Democracy Forum. He condemned the incident as an unjustifiable “embarrassing diplomatic act” that undermines the African Union’s principles. Othman has chosen to withdraw from the forum to reflect on the attack on African diplomacy and democracy, highlighting the urgent need for higher standards among African leadership.
On March 13, 2025, a diplomatic incident occurred at Luanda’s Quatro de Fevereiro International Airport, raising critical questions regarding the unity and cooperation within the African Union. Zanzibar’s First Vice President, Othman Masoud Othman, expressed his discontent after being detained for nearly eight hours alongside other prominent leaders, including Tanzania’s Ambassador to Zambia, Lieutenant General Matthew Edward Mkingule.
The delegation, invited to the Africa Democracy Forum to address governance and democracy in Africa, included former leaders from Botswana and Colombia as well as the former Prime Minister of Lesotho. All were detained without any clear explanation by Angolan authorities.
Condemning this action, Othman referred to it as an “embarrassing diplomatic act” and emphasized that such conduct threatens the foundational values of the African Union. He lamented that this incident was particularly egregious given that the President of Angola currently chairs the AU.
Othman stated, “The actions taken against us have tarnished the spirit of the African Union, especially when the President of Angola is the current Chairperson of the AU.” He called for worldwide condemnation from those who value the principles of brotherhood established by Africa’s founding leaders.
Despite his frustrations, Othman clarified his lack of animosity toward the Angolan people, acknowledging Tanzania’s historical ties with Angola. Nevertheless, he expressed concern regarding the prevailing diplomatic standards among the continent’s leaders.
Following this distressing incident, Othman opted not to attend the Africa Democracy Forum, choosing to return to Tanzania for reflection. He conveyed his need to consider the implications of the incident, describing it as an affront to diplomacy and democracy in Africa.
He asserted, “I believe I need time for deep reflection and to assess what was done to us, which was an attack on diplomacy and democracy within Africa.” This prolonged detainment has ignited widespread indignation across the continent, underscoring a need for higher standards of respect within African leadership.
The diplomatic standoff involving Zanzibar’s Vice President at Luanda’s airport has highlighted significant concerns regarding respect and cooperation within the African Union. Othman’s condemnation of Angolan authorities’ actions, coupled with his withdrawal from the Africa Democracy Forum, serves as a call for improved diplomatic standards across Africa. This incident illustrates the necessity for unity and adherence to the core principles of the African Union among African leaders.
Original Source: www.ghanaweb.com
