Zanzibar Vice President Critiques Angolan Detainment’s Impact on African Unity
Zanzibar’s Vice President Othman Masoud Othman condemned the Angolan authorities after he and other leaders were detained for hours at the airport. He labeled the incident an “embarrassing diplomatic act” that undermines the African Union’s core values, highlighting diplomatic failures amid Angola’s chairmanship of the AU. Othman chose to withdraw from the Africa Democracy Forum, seeking time for reflection on the affront to diplomacy and democracy.
On March 13, 2025, a diplomatic stalemate at Luanda’s Quatro de Fevereiro International Airport raised concerns regarding unity within the African Union. Othman Masoud Othman, Zanzibar’s First Vice President, and other notable leaders were detained for nearly eight hours without explanation. They were en route to the Africa Democracy Forum, a conference focusing on governance across Africa.
Othman condemned the detainment, labeling it an “embarrassing diplomatic act” and entirely ungustified. He stressed that such actions undermine the principles of the African Union, especially with Angola’s President serving as the current AU Chairperson. He stated, “The actions taken against us have tarnished the spirit of the African Union.”
Despite his discontent with the treatment received, Othman expressed no ill-will toward the Angolan people, emphasizing Tanzania’s longstanding cordial relations with Angola. However, he expressed concerns regarding the diplomatic standards within African leadership following the incident.
Othman ultimately decided to abstain from the Africa Democracy Forum, citing a need for reflection on the event that he considered an offensive affront to diplomacy and democracy. He declared, “I believe I need time for deep reflection and to assess what was done to us.”
The prolonged detainment of these leaders has stirred significant outcry throughout Africa. Othman’s withdrawal from the conference serves as a powerful reminder that higher standards of respect and cooperation must be upheld in African leadership.
The incident involving the detainment of Zanzibar’s Vice President and other leaders raises serious concerns about diplomatic norms within the African Union. Othman’s condemnation of the Angolan authorities’ actions highlights the need for a recommitment to the core values of unity and respect among African nations. His subsequent withdrawal from the Africa Democracy Forum underscores the necessity for higher standards of leadership in diplomacy and democracy across the continent.
Original Source: www.thecitizen.co.tz
