A diplomatic standoff at Luanda’s airport on March 13, 2025, involved the detention of Zanzibar’s First Vice President Othman Masoud Othman and other leaders, questioning African Union unity. Othman condemned the actions of Angolan authorities as unjustified, emphasizing the need for higher respect and solidarity among African leaders. He opted to withdraw from the Africa Democracy Forum, necessitating reflection on the implications for diplomacy and democracy in Africa.
On March 13, 2025, a diplomatic incident occurred at Luanda’s Quatro de Fevereiro International Airport, raising significant concerns about unity within the African Union. Zanzibar’s First Vice President, Othman Masoud Othman, along with several prominent leaders, faced nearly eight hours of detention, provoking questions about diplomatic conduct among African nations.
Othman was attending the Africa Democracy Forum, a conference focused on governance and democracy in Africa, alongside notable figures including former presidents and political leaders. The Angolan authorities detained them without offering any explanation, which Othman described as an “embarrassing diplomatic act” that was unjustified.
In his statement, Othman criticized the actions of Angolan authorities, emphasizing the detrimental impact on the African Union’s values, especially considering that the President of Angola is the current Chairperson of the AU. He declared, “The actions taken against us have tarnished the spirit of the African Union.”
Othman stated that such behavior should be condemned not only by Africans but also by the global community, who value the principles established by the Founding Leaders of the continent. Despite the incident, he expressed no hostility towards the people of Angola, recognizing Tanzania’s longstanding relationship with the nation.
Following this troubling episode, Othman chose to withdraw from the Africa Democracy Forum and return to Tanzania, indicating his need for reflection on the implications of the incident. He expressed that it constituted an attack on both diplomacy and democracy in Africa, stating, “I believe I need time for deep reflection.”
The distress caused by the detention has sparked significant backlash across the continent. Othman’s decision to forgo participation in the forum highlights the urgent need for elevated standards of respect and solidarity among African leaders, advocating for a more cooperative diplomatic environment.
In summary, the detention of Zanzibar’s Vice President and several leaders at the Angolan airport has exposed deficiencies in diplomatic standards within Africa. Othman’s strong condemnation of the incident underscores a call for enhanced respect and unity among African nations, emphasizing the need to uphold the foundational principles of the African Union. This incident raises critical questions about the conduct of member states and their commitment to cooperation and solidarity in addressing governance issues across the continent.
Original Source: www.ghanaweb.com
