Diplomatic Tensions: Zanzibar’s Vice President Denied Entry into Angola

Zanzibar’s First Vice President, Othman Masoud Othman, was denied entry into Angola along with other notable figures, including politicians from Uganda and Kenya. The delegation was detained at Luanda Airport without official explanation, prompting significant backlash on social media and calls for accountability from Tanzanian officials. No official response has been released by the Tanzanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to date.

On Thursday, at Luanda Airport in Angola, a diplomatic standoff occurred involving Zanzibar’s First Vice President, Othman Masoud Othman, along with a Tanzanian delegation. This incident saw notable figures such as Mozambican politician Venâncio Mondlane and former Botswana President Ian Khama also denied entry. The delegation arrived to attend a conference on democracy and governance, organized with the Friedrich Ebert Foundation, but faced unexpected detainment upon arrival.

Upon attempting to enter the country, the delegation was detained and their passports were confiscated by authorities, leaving no official explanation for these actions. The situation raised significant concerns regarding Tanzania-Angola relations, with social media reflecting a strong reaction, including condemnation from Tanzanian politician Zitto Kabwe, who deemed the situation a “disrespect shown by Angola to Tanzania.”

Kabwe’s social media response demanded accountability from the Tanzanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs concerning the diplomatic incident. His tweets highlighted that members of the delegation, including Zanzibar’s Vice President, were being held by Angolan authorities, with their passports seized. Notably, other opposition leaders from Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia, and Ukraine also faced similar barriers, as confirmed by a letter from UNITA’s President’s Office.

The aforementioned letter detailed invitations extended to various opposition leaders who were also denied entry into Angola despite prior arrangements. Notably, the Tanzanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has remained silent thus far, with no official comment released regarding the incident. However, reports suggest the Tanzanian government is actively seeking clarification from Angolan authorities regarding the unexpected denial of entry and the circumstances surrounding the detention.

The denial of entry to Zanzibar’s First Vice President Othman Masoud Othman, alongside other international figures, marks a significant diplomatic issue between Tanzania and Angola. This incident raises questions about the treatment of invited guests and the future of bilateral relations. As the Tanzanian government pursues clarity on the situation, the lack of an official explanation from Angolan authorities adds to the ambiguity surrounding the events at Luanda Airport.

Original Source: www.thecitizen.co.tz