Zanzibar’s First Vice President Othman Masoud Othman and a Tanzanian delegation were denied entry into Angola, alongside other notable figures. This incident raises concerns about diplomatic relations, with Tanzanian officials seeking explanations from Angola. The situation remains unresolved as authorities on both sides have yet to provide clarity.
A diplomatic incident arose at Luanda Airport when Zanzibar’s First Vice President, Othman Masoud Othman, and a Tanzanian delegation were denied entry into Angola. Accompanying the Vice President were notable figures such as Mozambican politician Venâncio Mondlane and former Botswana President Ian Khama. Upon arrival, the group faced unexpected detention without any official rationale provided, leading to significant concerns regarding Tanzania-Angola relations.
The delegation, which also included members from Tanzania’s ACT-Wazalendo party led by Dorothy Semu, was in Angola to attend a conference on democracy and governance organized alongside the Friedrich Ebert Foundation. Upon detention, authorities confiscated their passports, causing further unrest among Tanzanian officials and citizens alike. Prominent Tanzanian politician Zitto Kabwe publicly condemned the incident, describing it as a disrespect toward Tanzania, and raised questions about the Tanzanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ response.
Reports indicate that additional figures were similarly affected, including opposition leaders from Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia, and Ukraine, who were also invited to the conference but faced entry denials. The invitation sent by UNITA’s President’s Office confirmed that several noted leaders were expected on March 13, 2025, yet faced impediments at the border. Noteworthy, Tanzanian officials were not included in the formal list of detained individuals.
As of now, the Tanzanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not responded officially, though sources suggest the government is actively seeking clarification from Angola regarding the motivations behind the entry denials. In the meantime, Angolan authorities have remained silent on the matter, leaving many questions unanswered.
In conclusion, the denial of entry experienced by Zanzibar’s First Vice President Othman Masoud Othman and his delegation into Angola underscores diplomatic tensions between Tanzania and Angola. Multiple notable politicians were affected, eliciting strong reactions from the Tanzanian political sphere. As clarification is sought, the situation highlights ongoing complexities in international relations in the region.
Original Source: www.thecitizen.co.tz
