Tanzania’s opposition ACT-Wazalendo leaders, including Dorothy Semu, were denied entry into Angola, recounting their swift return on the same flight. Some members remained overnight while awaiting return arrangements. The leaders were en route to the PAD conference, reflecting on government actions aimed at suppressing opposition movements. The event illustrates broader struggles facing African democracies, with leaders vowing to persist in their advocacy for change.
Tanzania’s opposition leaders, part of the ACT-Wazalendo party, recently recounted their experience at Luanda International Airport, where they were denied entry into Angola. During a harrowing ordeal, most members of the delegation, including party leader Ms. Dorothy Semu, immediately boarded the same Ethiopian Airlines flight back to Tanzania after only two and a half hours on the ground.
Some opposition figures, such as Zanzibar’s First Vice President Othman Masoud Othman and Chadema Chairman Tundu Lissu, were compelled to remain in Luanda overnight as arrangements for their return were made by authorities. The opposition leaders traveled to Angola for the Platform for African Democracy (PAD) conference, scheduled in Benguela, approximately 421 kilometers away.
The letter from Angola’s Director of Migration and Foreign Services detailed a list of individuals denied entry, which notably included prominent politicians from regions such as Uganda, Kenya, Ukraine, and Ethiopia, while Tanzanian representatives were not listed. Mr. Othman condemned the actions taken against them, appealing to Africans and global allies to promote brotherhood as envisioned by the founding leaders of Africa.
Despite the distress caused, Mr. Othman stated, “I bear no grudge against the people of this great nation, with whom Tanzania has long-standing historical ties.” He subsequently chose to forgo participation in the Africa Democracy Forum, highlighting the need for serious reflection on this incident as an affront to African diplomacy and democracy.
From her interview, Ms. Semu described their forced return to Tanzania, emphasizing the Angolan government’s intent to abort the PAD conference, which would have bolstered opposition movements on the continent. She noted the growing political influence of Unita, a local party, expressing that the governmental actions stemmed from fear of further strengthening such movements.
Ms. Semu criticized the Angolan government for not feeling proud to host a significant gathering focused on enhancing democracy in Africa. Indeed, she shared that airport officials provided no clear rationale for their denial, suggesting compliance with higher orders.
Surprisingly, her passport did not reflect any stamp indicating an entry denial. Notably, as a citizen of a SADC member state, a visa was not necessary for her entry. She also acknowledged the widespread challenges facing opposition parties across Africa, asserting the crucial need for unity in advocating political change.
“This incident has given us new resolve to continue our efforts, despite the challenges, in the fight for democracy,” she affirmed. Additionally, she mentioned the diplomatic interference, stating that members of the diplomatic corps, including Tanzania’s High Commissioner to Zambia, Lt. Gen Mathew Mkingule, were also implicated.
In a follow-up statement, Lt. Gen Mkingule informed that some leaders were eventually granted entry into Angola and received complimentary five-star accommodations, highlighting a concerning ease of access even post-denial for some individuals involved.
The denial of entry faced by Tanzania’s opposition leaders in Angola marks a significant incident reflecting the ongoing struggle for democratic principles in Africa. The actions taken by Angolan authorities against the opposition signify fears of strengthening opposition movements, particularly as it relates to local political dynamics. Despite these challenges, leaders like Ms. Semu and Mr. Othman remain resolute in their pursuit of political change and democracy in Africa, advocating for unity and reflection among opposition parties.
Original Source: www.thecitizen.co.tz
