Zanzibar’s First Vice President Othman Massoud and several notable figures were denied entry into Angola at Luanda Airport while attending a democracy and governance conference. The group, including Tanzanian, Ugandan, and other opposition leaders, faced passport confiscations without explanation. The incident has sparked tension in Tanzanian-Angolan relations, with prominent politicians condemning the actions.
On Thursday at Luanda Airport, Zanzibar’s First Vice President Othman Massoud and his Tanzanian delegation were denied entry into Angola amid a diplomatic standoff. This incident also affected other significant figures, including Mozambican politician Venâncio Mondlane and former Botswana President Ian Khama. Despite arriving for a conference focused on democracy and governance, the group was detained without official explanation, and their passports were confiscated by authorities.
The delegation, led by ACT-Wazalendo party leader Dorothy Semu, was attending an event organized in collaboration with the Friedrich Ebert Foundation. Concerns regarding the diplomatic relations between Tanzania and Angola have emerged, particularly following reactions on social media. Prominent Tanzanian politician Zitto Kabwe criticized Angola’s actions, describing them as a significant disrespect towards Tanzania.
Kabwe called for accountability from the Tanzanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in light of the diplomatic affront. His comments referenced the predicament of the detained delegation, including government officials from Tanzania. Additionally, a source from Angola indicated that other opposition leaders from countries such as Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia, and Ukraine were also denied entry. An official letter confirmed the presence of these opposition figures, who had been invited to participate in the same event.
The denial of entry for Zanzibar’s Vice President and others raises questions about the solidity of diplomatic ties between Tanzania and Angola. As of this moment, the Tanzanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not released an official statement regarding this situation. However, it is reported that the Tanzanian government is actively seeking clarification from the Angolan authorities regarding the justifications for the entry refusals, while Angolan officials have yet to provide an explanation, perpetuating the uncertainty surrounding this diplomatic incident.
The denial of entry for Zanzibar’s Vice President Othman Massoud and other prominent figures into Angola raises significant concerns about the diplomatic relationship between the nations. The event that led to this situation remains ambiguous, with no official clarification provided thus far. This incident has invoked strong reactions within Tanzania, highlighting the need for government accountability and a reaffirmation of diplomatic protocols.
Original Source: www.thecitizen.co.tz
