Opposition leaders from Tanzania’s ACT-Wazalendo party were denied entry to Angola while en route to the Platform for African Democracy conference. Party leader Dorothy Semu described the ordeal akin to deportation, with some leaders spending the night in Luanda. The incident has raised concerns regarding political suppression in Africa, with calls for unity among opposition parties to strengthen democracy.
In a recent incident at Luanda International Airport, opposition leaders from Tanzania’s ACT-Wazalendo party were denied entry to Angola, an affair recounted by party leader Dorothy Semu. The group, which included prominent members such as Zanzibar’s First Vice President Othman Masoud Othman, was also set to attend the Platform for African Democracy (PAD) conference in Benguela. Ms. Semu described their experience akin to being deported back to Tanzania after only two and a half hours in Angola.
While most of the delegation boarded the Ethiopian Airlines flight back to Tanzania, some members were compelled to stay overnight in Luanda, requiring government intervention for their return. Those from other nations, including Mozambican politician Venâncio Mondlane and former Botswana President Ian Khama, also faced entry denials, which prompted a formal letter to Angola’s Director of Migration outlining the individuals barred. Notably, members from Uganda and Kenya were included, while Tanzanian officials were not mentioned in the document.
Mr. Othman publicly condemned the actions taken by Angolan authorities, highlighting a need for solidarity among African nations. He emphasized that such denying measures contradict the principles of unity established by the continent’s early leaders and expressed his decision to abstain from the Africa Democracy Forum, underscoring a call for deeper reflection on the implications of the incident for African diplomacy.
Ms. Semu articulated her belief that the Angolan government aimed to undermine the PAD conference, concerned that its successes would embolden opposition movements within Angola, particularly the Unita party, whose influence rose significantly in recent elections. “Unita’s vote share increased from 27 percent to 44 percent in the 2022 elections,” she stated, underscoring the government’s fears surrounding escalating opposition strength across Africa.
Despite the ordeal, Ms. Semu advocated for unity among African opposition parties, stressing the necessity for collective action to enhance political reform. She remarked that similar challenges faced by opposition groups signal an urgent need for cohesive advocacy. Furthermore, she reported irregularities, such as the absence of a stamped entry denial on her passport, raising questions about the motivations behind the authorities’ decisions.
In subsequent commentary, Lieutenant General Mathew Mkingule, Tanzania’s High Commissioner to Zambia, confirmed that some barred leaders eventually entered Angola and were accommodated at a five-star hotel. He expressed readiness to facilitate the return of the First Vice President of Zanzibar, indicating uncertainty about the reasons for the initial denials.
The denial of entry faced by Tanzania’s opposition leaders in Angola has sparked condemnation and raised significant concerns about the state of democracy and political opposition in Africa. This incident reflects broader challenges for opposition parties in their quest for unity and change. The leaders have resolved to continue their efforts towards democracy despite these setbacks, highlighting the importance of solidarity among African nations in facing such political hurdles.
Original Source: www.thecitizen.co.tz
