Tanzania’s ACT-Wazalendo and CCM Engage in Dispute Over Angola Incident

Tanzanian opposition ACT-Wazalendo is in conflict with the ruling CCM over the blockage of opposition leaders in Angola. Masoud Othman accuses CCM officials of misrepresenting their attempts to enter Angola, while CCM leaders defend their inaction. Calls for government accountability and transparency regarding the incident underscore the political tensions that persist. The importance of effective leadership in promoting democracy is also emphasized amidst the backdrop of the ongoing African Democracy Forum.

The Tanzanian opposition party ACT-Wazalendo and the ruling party CCM are engaged in a dispute regarding the blockage of ACT leaders from entering Angola. ACT-Wazalendo Chairman, Masoud Othman, has accused senior CCM officials, including Vice-Chairman Stephen Wasira and Propaganda Secretary Hamis Mbetto, of misrepresenting the circumstances surrounding the incident at Quatro de Fevereiro Airport.

The blockage occurred earlier this week as Othman and other ACT leaders intended to participate in the African Democracy Forum. In response to this incident, ACT-Wazalendo condemned the actions and called for a public denunciation by the Tanzanian government. Wasira countered these claims, asserting that the Tanzanian government cannot be responsible for operations at an Angolan airport and highlighted the need for accountability if harm had come to the opposition leaders.

Mbetto defended his position, asserting that Othman and his delegation failed to adhere to proper travel protocols, thus leading to their blockage. Othman refuted these claims, stating that all necessary travel permissions were obtained from the Zanzibari President and relevant government departments. He emphasized that if there was any lapse, it was the responsibility of the Angolan authorities.

Othman dismissed suggestions of Tanzanian government involvement in the blockade, contending that the reasons behind the incident were purely linked to conditions in Angola. Mbetto, on the other hand, insisted that Othman needed to accept accountability and learn to tolerate political challenges. He also questioned why Othman’s convoy was specifically targeted when other opposition leaders had traveled without similar issues.

In a further assertion, Mbetto highlighted Othman’s past actions, including insults towards President Mwinyi, suggesting that Othman should not expect preferential treatment given his political history. ACT-Wazalendo’s Dorothy Semu expressed a desire for a governmental explanation regarding the blockage and raised concerns about the effectiveness of the Angolan President in leading the African Union, given recent events.

The African Democracy Forum, which aims to promote political discourse in Africa, held its third meeting this year in Angola. Semu concluded by underscoring the importance of leadership conducive to democratic principles in Africa, reflecting the urgency and significance of such dialogues.

In conclusion, the ongoing dispute between the ACT-Wazalendo and CCM parties highlights issues of accountability, political conduct, and diplomatic relations. Accusations regarding misrepresentation and procedural failures have fueled tensions, while calls for clarification from the Tanzanian government underline the significance of transparency in such incidents. The outcomes of these exchanges may significantly influence future interactions among Tanzanian political entities and their foreign relations, particularly concerning governance in Angola.

Original Source: www.thecitizen.co.tz