The tension between Tanzania’s opposition ACT-Wazalendo and ruling CCM revolves around the blockage of ACT leaders at an airport in Angola. Chairman Masoud Othman accuses CCM leaders of misrepresentation, while CCM’s Wasira and Mbetto assert that proper procedures were not followed. The situation has drawn calls for transparency and accountability from the Tanzanian government, especially regarding democratic leadership in Africa.
In a recent development, the opposition party ACT-Wazalendo, led by Chairman Masoud Othman, has accused ruling party CCM leaders of misrepresenting the facts surrounding the blockage of their convoy at Quatro de Fevereiro Airport in Angola. Othman has called for governmental action against CCM officials Stephen Wasira and Hamis Mbetto for allegedly attempting to tarnish Tanzania’s government image. The opposition group’s convoy was prevented from entering Angola as they attempted to participate in the African Democracy Forum (PAD).
In response, Stephen Wasira remarked that the blockage was not the Tanzanian government’s responsibility, stating that the airport is managed by Angolan authorities who have their reasons for such actions. Mbetto added that Othman’s group did not follow proper procedures for travel to Angola, which purportedly resulted in their blockade. Othman, supported by fellow opposition leaders, condemned the blockage and urged the Tanzanian government to make a public denunciation of the incident.
Othman defended his group’s actions, explaining that all necessary travel protocols had been adhered to, including receiving approval from Dr. Hussein Mwinyi, the President of Zanzibar, as well as notifying the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the National Security Department. He expressed disbelief that Tanzanian authorities would seek to block events in Angola, opining that the blockage was attributed to prevailing circumstances within Angola itself.
Mbetto, however, rejected any claims of wrongdoing, asserting that he and Wasira had not breached any protocols. He challenged Othman’s credibility, noting that numerous previous opposition leaders had travelled without obstruction, thus questioning why Othman faced such issues at this time. Furthermore, he called for accountability for Othman’s past actions, emphasizing that he has previously insulted the President and incited unrest without facing repercussions.
In light of the incident, ACT-Wazalendo leader Dorothy Semu has demanded clarification from the government regarding the blockage. She emphasized the need for transparency and the summoning of the Tanzanian Ambassador to Angola to explain the situation. Semu also expressed concern over the leadership role of the President of Angola within the African Union (AU), raising doubts about his capability to uphold democratic values. She urged the AU to consider appointing a leader more dedicated to promoting democracy within the continent.
The PAD Forum, which promotes dialogue on African political futures, engaged in its third meeting this year in Angola, following prior sessions in Poland and South Africa. Semu concluded with a call for strong leadership in African politics to ensure the future of democracy on the continent.
The ongoing dispute between Tanzania’s ACT-Wazalendo and ruling party CCM highlights significant political tensions and perceptions surrounding governance and international relations. The blockage of the opposition leaders in Angola has incited accusations and demands for accountability from both sides, emphasizing the need for transparent communication from the Tanzanian government. The incident raises questions about internal protocols and the implications for future political engagements in Africa, particularly with regards to leadership roles in organizations such as the AU.
Original Source: www.thecitizen.co.tz
