Tanzania’s opposition ACT-Wazalendo leaders faced denial of entry into Angola, leading to their expedited return home on Ethiopian Airlines. The incident, affecting key political figures, illustrates concerns regarding democracy and regional political dynamics. Dorothy Semu expressed that Angolan authorities aimed to disrupt the Platform for African Democracy conference, reflecting fears over the growing opposition influence within Angola.
In a recent incident, leaders from Tanzania’s opposition party, ACT-Wazalendo, were denied entry into Angola and subsequently returned to Tanzania on the same Ethiopian Airlines flight that had brought them to Luanda. The party leader, Dorothy Semu, along with other delegation members, experienced what they described as a form of deportation from Angola merely two and a half hours after their arrival. While most members were sent back, some leaders, including Othman Masoud Othman and Tundu Lissu, were compelled to spend the night in Luanda as authorities organized their return.
The opposition leaders were in transit to Benguela for the Platform for African Democracy (PAD) conference. Notably, other politicians barred from entry included Mozambican Venâncio Mondlane and former Botswana President Ian Khama. A letter directed to Angola’s Director of Migration and Foreign Services itemized those prohibited from entering, which also included individuals from Uganda, Kenya, Ukraine, and Ethiopia, but notably excluded Tanzanian officials from this list.
Othman expressed strong disapproval of the incident, appealing to both Africans and the international community to uphold solidarity as envisioned by the continent’s founders. He stated that despite his disappointment, he harbored no ill feelings towards the Angolan populace. Furthermore, he resolved to forgo participation in the Africa Democracy Forum, believing the situation warranted deep reflection on the state of African diplomacy and democracy.
Semu provided insight into their ordeal in an exclusive interview, asserting that Angolan authorities aimed to thwart the PAD conference, fearing it would bolster opposition movements like Unita within Angola. Citing Unita’s recent electoral gains, she pointed out that the government appeared alarmed by their rising influence. Instead of embracing the opportunity to foster democratic discussions among influential leaders, the Angolan government reportedly manipulated its systems to obstruct the constructive forum.
Despite the experience, Semu noted that no formal reason was given for their denial of entry, further stating that her passport was not stamped with an entry denial, as she did not require a visa under SADC regulations. The incident highlighted broader challenges facing opposition parties across Africa, emphasizing the importance of a cohesive front advocating for political reform.
This event has galvanized the opposition members’ resolve to persist in their pursuit of democracy. High Commissioner to Zambia, Lt. Gen. Mathew Mkingule, mentioned that some denied leaders were allowed entry later, with the government offering them accommodations in a five-star hotel, indicating the presence of unresolved complexities surrounding the incident.
In summary, the denial of entry for Tanzania’s opposition leaders to Angola raises significant concerns regarding democratic principles and diplomatic relations in Africa. The unequivocal sentiments shared by the leaders highlight the urgent necessity for solidarity among opposition parties to combat challenges in promoting democratic governance. This incident, coupled with the broader implications for regional political dynamics, reinforces the need for continued advocacy and determination in the struggle for democracy.
Original Source: www.thecitizen.co.tz
