Tanzania’s opposition leaders faced denied entry to Angola while en route to a democracy conference. Most were deported on the same flight, with some forced to stay overnight. Leaders condemned the actions as an affront to democratic values, raising concerns about suppression of opposition movements in Africa. Calls for unity among opposition parties were emphasized for necessary political changes.
Leaders of Tanzania’s opposition party ACT-Wazalendo have provided details of their recent experience at Luanda International Airport, where Angolan authorities denied them entry. Party leader Dorothy Semu reported that most of the delegation was effectively deported back on the same Ethiopian Airlines flight just two and a half hours after arriving. Some members, including Zanzibar’s First Vice President Othman Masoud Othman and Chadema Chairman Tundu Lissu, were forced to remain in Luanda overnight until arrangements for their return could be made.
The opposition leaders were en route to Benguela for the Platform for African Democracy (PAD) conference, which seeks to foster democratic practices across the continent. They were joined by notable figures from other nations, including Mozambican politician Venâncio Mondlane and former Botswana President Ian Khama, who were also denied entry. A letter directed to Angola’s immigration officials listed individuals barred from entering, which notably excluded Tanzanian diplomats.
In a statement, Othman condemned the actions taken against them, urging both Africans and the international community to uphold the principles of brotherhood established by earlier African leaders. “Despite being upset by the actions taken against us, I bear no grudge against the people of this great nation,” he articulated, reflecting on the historic ties between Tanzania and Angola. He ultimately decided to forgo participation in the Africa Democracy Forum, contemplating the implications of their treatment for African diplomacy.
Ms. Semu described their treatment as unwarranted and speculated that the Angolan government’s actions were a deliberate move to undermine the PAD conference, fearing it would enhance the influence of opposition movements, particularly the rising Unita party. “Unita’s vote share increased from 27 percent to 44 percent in the 2022 elections,” she noted, expressing concern over the government’s reaction to declining influence.
Despite being denied entry, Semu highlighted that airport officials failed to present a justifiable reason for their deportation, implying they acted under explicit orders. Interestingly, her passport was not stamped with an entry denial, which she found surprising. As a citizen of a SADC member country, she was not required to acquire a visa for entry into Angola.
Emphasizing the challenges faced by opposition parties across Africa, Ms. Semu called for unity among them to bring about necessary political changes that would benefit citizens. “This incident has given us new resolve to continue our efforts, despite the challenges,” she remarked, clarifying the broader implications for democratic movements across the continent. Moreover, it was revealed that members of the Tanzanian diplomatic corps also felt the impact of this incident.
Lt. Gen. Mathew Mkingule, Tanzania’s High Commissioner to Zambia, confirmed that some leaders were eventually allowed to enter Angola later that evening and provided accommodations. He noted an intent to facilitate the return of Othman Masoud Othman and expressed uncertainty regarding the rationale behind the initial denial of entry.
The recent denial of entry to Tanzanian opposition leaders illustrates ongoing challenges for political opposition in Africa. Their deportation reflects a disconcerting trend of suppression against democratic movements. This incident raises critical questions about the conduct of African governments regarding political plurality and the treatment of opposition party members. It emphasizes the urgency for unified efforts among opposition parties to advocate for suitable political reforms across the continent and uphold democratic principles.
Original Source: www.thecitizen.co.tz
