On March 13, 2025, Zanzibar’s First Vice President Othman Masoud Othman and several other leaders were detained at Luanda Airport, sparking concerns over African Union values. Othman described the incident as an “embarrassing diplomatic act” that undermines the AU’s core principles. His withdrawal from the Africa Democracy Forum signifies a call for higher standards of respect and cooperation among African leaders.
A significant diplomatic incident occurred on March 13, 2025, at Luanda’s Quatro de Fevereiro International Airport, raising doubts about the unity within the African Union. Zanzibar’s First Vice President, Othman Masoud Othman, alongside several distinguished African leaders, faced detention for nearly eight hours, prompting his concerns about cooperation among African nations.
Othman, accompanied by Tanzania’s Ambassador to Zambia, Lieutenant General Matthew Edward Mkingule, was part of a delegation invited to the Africa Democracy Forum, a pivotal conference focusing on governance and democracy across Africa. This group included former heads of state from Botswana and Colombia, a former Prime Minister of Lesotho, and other political dignitaries, all of whom were detained without explanations by Angolan authorities.
The Vice President publicly condemned the actions taken by Angolan officials, labeling them an “embarrassing diplomatic act” that was unjustifiable. He stressed that such conduct undermines the fundamental values of the African Union, especially as Angola’s President holds the AU’s Chairmanship, stating, “The actions taken against us have tarnished the spirit of the African Union.”
Othman articulated a strong call for condemnation of these actions by all African nations and global entities committed to the principles of solidarity established by the Founding Leaders of Africa. While frustrated, Othman emphasized that his grievances were directed toward the authorities, not the people of Angola, with whom Tanzania has historically maintained strong relations.
Following this incident, Othman chose to forgo participation in the Africa Democracy Forum, deciding to return to Tanzania for introspection. He described the experience as an assault on diplomatic practices and democracy within Africa, asserting, “I believe I need time for deep reflection and to assess what was done to us.”
This incident has elicited a wave of outrage across the continent, and the decision by the Zanzibar Vice President to withdraw from the event highlights the pressing need for higher standards of respect and solidarity among African leaders. It sends a vital message that the principles guiding African cooperation must be upheld.
The detainment of Zanzibar’s First Vice President and other leaders at an Angolan airport has raised critical concerns regarding the principles of unity and cooperation within the African Union. Othman’s strong condemnation of these acts and his subsequent withdrawal from the Africa Democracy Forum serve as a reminder of the necessity for fostering diplomatic respect among African nations. The incident calls for reflection on the standards of leadership within Africa, emphasizing the need for solidarity and mutual respect among member states.
Original Source: www.ghanaweb.com
