Diplomatic Standoff: Zanzibar’s First Vice President Denied Entry into Angola

Zanzibar’s First Vice President Othman Masoud Othman and a Tanzanian delegation were denied entry into Angola while attending a democracy and governance conference. Notable figures included in the group faced passport confiscation, prompting concern over Tanzania-Angola relations. Social media reaction, led by Tanzanian politicians, has questioned the diplomatic affront.

On Thursday, a diplomatic incident occurred at Luanda Airport when Zanzibar’s First Vice President, Othman Masoud Othman, along with a Tanzanian delegation, was denied entry into Angola. The delegation included notable figures such as Mozambican politician Venâncio Mondlane and former President of Botswana, Ian Khama, who faced unexplained detentions and passport confiscations upon arrival.

This delegation traveled to participate in a conference centered on democracy and governance, organized in collaboration with the Friedrich Ebert Foundation. Upon reaching the airport, authorities detained them without providing official reasons for the action, raising alarm over Tanzania and Angola’s diplomatic relations.

Prominent Tanzanian politician Zitto Kabwe condemned the incident on social media, expressing it as a significant disrespect towards Tanzania. He publicly urged the Tanzanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to respond to this diplomatic challenge, highlighting their situation on Twitter: “A delegation from Tanzania led by party leader @SemuDorothy, including Zanzibar First Vice President @Othmasoud, is being held by Angola authorities at Luanda Airport. Their passports, including that of @Mfatanzania officials, have been confiscated.”

Reports indicate that several opposition leaders from Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia, and Ukraine were also denied entry on the same grounds, despite having received invitations. An official letter from UNITA’s President’s Office confirmed that these leaders were invited to the same conference intended for March 13, 2025. However, Tanzanian officials were notably not included in this additional denial of entry.

As of this moment, the Tanzanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not publicly addressed the incident but is reportedly seeking urgent clarification from Angola regarding the circumstances leading to the denial of entry. Meanwhile, authorities in Angola have yet to provide any explanations for the detentions that have caused significant unrest among the affected nations.

The incident involving Zanzibar’s First Vice President and the Tanzanian delegation at Luanda Airport reflects ongoing diplomatic tensions between Tanzania and Angola. The unexplained denial of entry for several prominent officials has raised concerns about relations between the two nations. As the Tanzanian government seeks clarification from Angola, the situation underscores the need for diplomatic dialogue and resolution to prevent further escalations in international relations.

Original Source: www.ghanaweb.com