ACT-Wazalendo leaders accused CCM officials of misrepresenting the blockage of their entry into Angola for the African Democracy Forum. Both parties exchanged blame, with CCM asserting procedural failures on the part of ACT-Wazalendo. Calls for government accountability and leadership in promoting democracy were intensified by initial concerns raised post-incident.
Tanzanian opposition party ACT-Wazalendo has accused the ruling party, Chama cha Mapinduzi (CCM), of misrepresenting the circumstances surrounding the blockage of its leaders’ convoy at Quatro de Fevereiro Airport in Angola. ACT-Wazalendo Chairman, Masoud Othman, urged the government to take actions against CCM leaders involved, specifically pointing out Stephen Wasira and Hamis Mbetto.
The blockage occurred while Othman and fellow leaders were en route to participate in the African Democracy Forum (PAD). In response to ACT-Wazalendo’s statement condemning the incident, Wasira dismissed the government’s accountability, asserting that the airport is managed by Angolans, who may have their reasons for the blockade. He also questioned the complaints regarding the government’s silence on the matter.
Mbetto claimed that ACT-Wazalendo leaders failed to adhere to proper travel procedures to Angola, which led to their blockade. However, Othman refuted these claims, stating that all relevant permissions had been secured from the President of Zanzibar, as well as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Othman emphasized that the obstacles were not due to Tanzanian governmental interference but were rather related to the internal situation in Angola, reinforcing that the government had no vested interest in preventing events in Angola. He detailed that protocols were followed thoroughly prior to their travel.
In his defense, Mbetto rejected the notion that he should be held liable for the incident and argued that Othman should learn to accept political criticism. Mbetto compared the situation to past travel experiences of other leaders, questioning why Othman faced blockage when others had not.
ACT-Wazalendo leader Dorothy Semu called for the Tanzanian government to provide explanations regarding the blockage. She raised concerns about the Presidency of the African Union, questioning the capability of the Angolan President to promote democracy effectively due to this incident. Semu reiterated the importance of the PAD Forum, which facilitates discussions crucial for Africa’s political future.
The disagreement between Tanzania’s opposition ACT-Wazalendo and the ruling CCM regarding the blockage of opposition leaders’ entry into Angola has highlighted significant political tensions. Both parties have presented contrasting perspectives, with Othman attributing the issue to misrepresentation by CCM leaders, while CCM officials assert that protocols were not followed. As the situation unfolds, calls for accountability and clarity are increasing, particularly concerning the implications for African leadership in promoting democracy.
Original Source: www.thecitizen.co.tz
