Opposition Leaders from Tanzania Denied Entry to Angola: An Ordeal Recapitulated

Tanzania’s opposition leaders from ACT-Wazalendo faced entry denials at Luanda International Airport, effectively being deported back to Tanzania on the same flight. Some members were forced to remain overnight while the Angolan government denied entry to various prominent political figures. The leaders condemned the actions, stating they undermined democracy, yet affirmed their commitment to continue efforts for political reforms.

Tanzania’s opposition leaders from the ACT-Wazalendo party faced significant challenges when Angolan authorities denied them entry at Luanda International Airport. The delegation, including party leader Dorothy Semu, was effectively ‘deported’ back to Tanzania on the same Ethiopian Airlines flight within two and a half hours. Meanwhile, other members, including Zanzibar’s First Vice President Othman Masoud Othman and Chadema Chairman Tundu Lissu, were compelled to remain in Luanda overnight while arrangements were made for their return.

The opposition leaders were on their way to Benguela for the Platform for African Democracy (PAD) conference when they encountered this obstruction. Among those with entry denials were prominent figures such as Mozambican politician Venâncio Mondlane and former Botswana President Ian Khama. Notably, a letter to Angola’s Director of Migration and Foreign Services documented numerous individuals barred from entry, including Ugandan opposition figures and Kenyans, while Tanzanian officials were notably absent from this list.

In a statement, Mr. Othman expressed profound disappointment regarding the incident. He emphasized the importance of upholding the principles of unity established by Africa’s founding leaders. Despite the painful experience, he affirmed his respect for the Angolan people, stating his choice to forego participation in the Africa Democracy Forum to reflect on the implications of the denial of entry on African diplomacy.

Ms. Semu detailed her experience, indicating that the government’s actions were an attempt to undermine the PAD conference and prevent the strengthening of opposition movements across Africa. She noted that such actions were symptomatic of a broader trend among African leaders to suppress dissent and opposition.

Ms. Semu criticized the Angolan government’s failure to justify the denials, hinting they were acting under directives from higher authorities. Although she did not receive a stamped denial on her passport, she pointed out that as a member of a Southern African Development Community (SADC) country, she was not required to secure a visa.

Stressing the ongoing struggles faced by opposition parties across Africa, she called for a united front to advocate for political reforms for the welfare of citizens. Semu asserted, “This incident has given us new resolve to continue our efforts, despite the challenges, in the fight for democracy.”

Additionally, Lt. Gen. Mathew Mkingule, Tanzania’s High Commissioner to Zambia, confirmed that some leaders who were denied entry were later permitted to enter Angola, with the government offering them five-star accommodations. He noted preparations were underway for their return home soon, while expressing uncertainty regarding why the entry denials occurred.

The incident involving Tanzania’s opposition leaders in Angola highlights critical challenges faced by political figures across Africa. The denial of entry not only disrupts democratic dialogue but also signifies a broader trend of governmental resistance against opposition movements. Despite these challenges, opposition leaders like Ms. Semu remain committed to their cause, emphasizing unity and resilience in the fight for democracy and social justice across the continent.

Original Source: www.thecitizen.co.tz