The article discusses a conflict between Tanzania’s opposition party ACT-Wazalendo and the ruling CCM regarding a blockage of opposition leaders at an airport in Angola. ACT-Wazalendo Chairman Masoud Othman accuses CCM leaders of misrepresenting the incident. The CCM leaders, in turn, claim Othman failed to follow protocols for travel. Concerns are also raised regarding the Angolan President’s capability to lead the African Union while promoting democracy.
In Tanzania, the opposition party ACT-Wazalendo and the ruling party CCM are engaged in a public dispute regarding a recent blockage of opposition leaders from entering Angola. Masoud Othman, ACT-Wazalendo Chairman, accused senior CCM figures, notably Stephen Wasira and Hamis Mbetto, of distorting facts related to the incident that occurred at Quatro de Fevereiro Airport in Angola. The opposition leaders, including prominent figures from other African countries, planned to attend the African Democracy Forum but were denied entry.
Othman’s claims highlight that the blockade led to an official condemnation by ACT-Wazalendo, which urged the Tanzanian government to address the issue publicly. In response, Wasira criticized the opposition for blaming the Tanzanian government and indicated that the airport operations were under Angolan control. He questioned why the leaders expected the Tanzanian government to influence another country’s airport policies.
Furthermore, Mbetto contended that Othman and his colleagues failed to adhere to the necessary travel protocols, resulting in their blockade. Othman, however, argued that all required procedures were followed, receiving prior approval from relevant authorities, including Dr. Hussein Mwinyi, the President of Zanzibar.
Othman asserted that the Tanzanian government had no motive for obstructing the opposition’s participation in events in Angola, suggesting that the blockage was linked to Angola’s internal situation. Mbetto dismissed Othman’s accusations, suggesting he had done nothing wrong and pointed out previous instances where other opposition leaders had traveled without incident.
Mbetto stressed the importance of following protocols when traveling abroad and highlighted that Othman previously instigated unrest without facing repercussions. Concerns were raised by ACT-Wazalendo’s Dorothy Semu regarding the government’s silence and the necessity for clarification on the blockage from Tanzanian officials.
Semu also questioned the capacity of the Angolan President, who chairs the African Union, to uphold democracy and expressed doubts about his leadership capabilities. The PAD Forum, established in 2023, was emblematic of critical discussions on African political futures, with previous meetings held in Poland and South Africa. Semu reiterated the forum’s significance, emphasizing its role in shaping African political dialogue.
The conflict between ACT-Wazalendo and the CCM illustrates the complexities surrounding political discourse in Tanzania, particularly concerning international engagement. Masoud Othman’s accusations of misrepresentation by CCM leaders reflect underlying tensions in the political landscape. Calls for accountability and transparency from the government underscore the necessity for clarity in diplomatic relations, especially in democratic discourse. Ultimately, the ongoing discussion hinges upon the need for adherence to protocols and the impact of regional leadership on African democracy.
Original Source: www.thecitizen.co.tz
