On March 13, 2025, Zanzibar’s First Vice President Othman Masoud Othman was detained at Luanda airport alongside other African leaders, raising concerns about diplomatic relations within the African Union. He described Angolan authorities’ actions as an unjustified “embarrassing diplomatic act” that undermines the spirit of unity, especially with Angola’s President chairing the AU. Othman withdrew from an important forum to reflect, prompting discussions on the need for higher standards of respect in African diplomacy.
On March 13, 2025, a diplomatic conflict erupted at Luanda’s Quatro de Fevereiro International Airport, raising concerns about unity within the African Union (AU). Zanzibar’s First Vice President, Othman Masoud Othman, along with other esteemed African leaders, was detained for nearly eight hours by Angolan authorities without explanation after arriving for the Africa Democracy Forum, an event focused on governance and democracy.
Othman, who was accompanied by Tanzania’s Ambassador to Zambia, Lieutenant General Matthew Edward Mkingule, expressed his profound disappointment and condemned the actions of the Angolan authorities as an “embarrassing diplomatic act”. He asserted that their behavior contradicts the fundamental values of the African Union, especially given that the President of Angola currently chairs the AU.
In his statement, Othman said, “The actions taken against us have tarnished the spirit of the African Union, especially when the President of Angola is the current Chairperson of the AU.” He emphasized that this incident should be denounced by all African nations and those around the globe who cherish the principles of unity established by the continent’s Founding Leaders.
Despite his frustrations, Othman clarified he bears no ill will towards the Angolan people, with whom Tanzania maintains a long-standing relationship. Nevertheless, this incident has prompted him to question the diplomatic conduct of African leadership.
Following the event, Othman opted to withdraw from the Africa Democracy Forum to return to Tanzania. He expressed the need for time to contemplate what had occurred, regarding it as a challenge to both diplomacy and democracy on the continent. “I believe I need time for deep reflection and to assess what was done to us, which was an attack on diplomacy and democracy within Africa,” he stated.
This incident, which caused significant distress for the detained leaders, has ignited outrage across Africa. Othman’s decision to withdraw underscores the serious nature of the situation and sends a compelling message about the necessity for higher standards of respect and solidarity among African leadership.
The diplomatic impasse at the Luanda airport highlights significant issues within the African Union regarding leadership conduct and unity. Othman Masoud Othman’s experience underscores the need for respectful diplomatic engagement among African nations. His withdrawal from the Africa Democracy Forum also signals a call for African leaders to adhere to higher standards of protocol and mutual respect, reinforcing the founding principles of the African Union.
Original Source: www.ghanaweb.com
