Tanzania opposition ACT, ruling CCM now trade blame over Angola opposition leaders’ blockage

Othman claims that the two misrepresented the circumstances surrounding the blockage of his convoy at Quatro de Fevereiro Airport in Angola.

Othman, along with fellow ACT-Wazalendo leaders, including Chadema Chairman Tundu Lissu and retired leaders from other African nations, was stopped from entering Angola earlier this week. The group had travelled to participate in the African Democracy Forum (PAD).

The blockage led ACT-Wazalendo to issue a statement condemning the action, calling on the Tanzanian government to publicly denounce it.

Wasira, speaking during a visit to Songwe, responded by stating that the opposition leaders should not point fingers at the government over the incident.

"They are complaining about the government's silence, but do we manage Angola’s airport? It is managed by Angolans, and they might have had their own reasons for blocking them. If they were harmed, would we not ask why innocent people were being treated unfairly?" Wasira remarked.

Mbetto also weighed in, claiming that Masoud and his delegation had not followed the proper procedures for travelling to Angola, which led to their blockade.

In response, Masoud has accused the two CCM leaders of deliberately misleading the public, thereby tarnishing the government’s reputation.

However, Mbetto defended his position, insisting that no action should be taken against him, as he had not committed any wrongdoing. He also suggested that Masoud should reflect on why his convoy was blocked, given that numerous opposition leaders had travelled abroad without facing similar issues.

Speaking in Dar es Salaam, Othman said that all necessary procedures for travel had been followed. He confirmed that permission had been sought from the President of Zanzibar, Dr Hussein Mwinyi, and that written approval had been received. Additionally, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the National Security Department had been informed to arrange for advance clearance.

"The advance team travelled five days before the meeting and reached the venue where the event was supposed to take place. All required protocols were followed. If there was a mistake, it lies with Angola, as they should have communicated with us upon our arrival," Othman stated.

Masoud also rejected any suggestion that Tanzania was involved in the blockage, saying that he could not see how the Tanzanian government would have an interest in preventing events taking place in Angola.

"I do not see how the Tanzanian government would have any reason to block what was happening in Angola. The circumstances there are enough to suggest that the blockage was related to the situation in Angola itself," he said.

Mbetto’s strong response

Hamis Mbetto, responding to Masoud’s accusations, dismissed the idea that he should be held accountable, saying he had not made any mistakes.

"Who is going to take action against me or Wasira? What have we done wrong? This is politics, Masoud should learn to tolerate it. If he cannot tolerate it, he should stop being a politician," Mbetto stated.

Mbetto also argued that Masoud should reflect on why his convoy was stopped when other opposition leaders had travelled abroad without issues.

"Late President Seif Sharif Hamad, the former First Vice President of Zanzibar, travelled to many countries without being blocked. Why was it Masoud’s turn to be stopped? He should reflect," Mbetto insisted.

Regarding Tanzania’s good relations with Angola and other African nations, Mbetto emphasised that a leader who follows the proper procedures would not have been blocked.

"He went carelessly and did not follow the procedures. He should not try to defend himself. Many leaders have travelled abroad without being stopped. He needs to follow the correct procedures," Mbetto added.

Calls for accountability

Mbetto also pointed out that Masoud has previously incited unrest and insulted President Mwinyi without facing consequences.

"He should tolerate like others have tolerated. He has called President Mwinyi a thief and has incited unrest without facing consequences. Why should he be treated differently? He should face up to his actions," Mbetto said.

ACT-Wazalendo leader Dorothy Semu, meanwhile, expressed concern that, after the incident, they had heard nothing from the government about the reasons for the blockage.

"We want the government to come forward and explain what happened. We also want the Tanzanian Ambassador to Angola to be summoned to clarify the situation," Semu said.

Semu also raised concerns about the future leadership of the African Union (AU), as the President of Angola currently holds the position of AU Chair. She questioned whether he could effectively lead the agenda of democracy and respect for African leaders.

"We urge AU leaders to reconsider giving the President of Angola such a position, as he may not be able to handle it. The AU needs to appoint someone who demonstrates leadership in promoting democracy," Semu stated.

The PAD Forum, established in 2023, held its third meeting this year in Angola. Previous meetings were held in Poland (2023) and South Africa (2024).

"This is an important forum for those who care about the future of Africa in politics," Semu concluded.