The blockage of the ACT-Wazalendo leaders at an airport in Angola has sparked a blame game between opposition and ruling CCM leaders. Masoud Othman has criticized CCM figures for misrepresenting facts while CCM officials have defended their actions. Concerns about government accountability and future aspects of African leadership are now central to the dialogue, following the blockage incident during a democratic forum.
The political landscape in Tanzania is shedding light on the tensions between the opposition party ACT-Wazalendo and the ruling Chama cha Mapinduzi (CCM) following the blockage of ACT leaders at Quatro de Fevereiro Airport in Angola. Masoud Othman, the ACT-Wazalendo Chairman, accused senior CCM officials of distorting facts concerning the incident. Othman’s call for action against CCM leaders illustrates the growing political strife over the opposition’s handling of international relations.
Othman, alongside ACT-Wazalendo members, such as Tundu Lissu and former leaders from other African nations, had intended to participate in the African Democracy Forum. Their access was hindered, prompting Othman to demand that the Tanzanian government publicly condemn the obstruction. He attributed the blame to Stephen Wasira and Hamis Mbetto of CCM for misrepresenting the situation.
In response, Wasira, addressing the matter during a visit to Songwe, stated that complaints about the government’s silence were misplaced since the airport is managed by Angolana authorities. He highlighted that they may have had their rationale for such actions and questioned the opposition’s suggestions of government complicity in the blockade.
Mbetto also suggested that ACT-Wazalendo leaders failed to adhere to proper travel protocols, leading to their confinement at the Angolan airport. Mbetto defended his actions, asserting that he and Wasira had committed no wrongdoing and implied that Masoud should evaluate why his convoy was obstructed, unlike other opposition figures who traveled seamlessly.
Othman refuted any claims that Tanzania was involved in the blockage. He confirmed proper procedures were followed, including obtaining necessary permissions from the President of Zanzibar, Dr. Hussein Mwinyi, along with assistance from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the National Security Department. Othman reiterated the importance of communication should any mishaps occur but maintained the blockage stemmed from Angolan authorities.
Mbetto countered Othman’s assertions, emphasizing that he had not made any errors and reminding the opposition leader to accept political realities. He challenged Masoud to consider his past remarks against President Mwinyi without facing repercussions. This exchange reveals deeper issues within Tanzanian politics concerning accountability and public discourse.
ACT-Wazalendo spokesperson Dorothy Semu has raised concerns regarding the lack of explanation from the Tanzanian government following the blockade. She called for the government to clarify the circumstances surrounding the incident and proposed summoning the Tanzanian Ambassador to Angola for further insights. Semu also voiced skepticism about Angola’s effectiveness in leading the African Union given the circumstances.
The event underscores the brewing political tensions within Tanzania, as leaders from opposing parties clash over international representation and accountability. It highlights the critical need for transparent communication between the government and its citizens, particularly concerning pivotal democratic forums.
The recent blockage of Tanzanian opposition leaders in Angola has intensified existing tensions between ACT-Wazalendo and the ruling CCM. Accusations of misrepresentation and procedural failures have fueled a debate over government accountability and transparency. As discussions progress, the broader implications for Tanzania’s political landscape and its role in regional democracy are increasingly under scrutiny.
Original Source: www.thecitizen.co.tz
