A diplomatic clash at the Quatro de Fevereiro International Airport in Luanda on March 13, 2025 has cast doubt on unity and cooperation within the African Union.
Zanzibar’s First Vice President Othman Masoud Othman expressed his disappointment after being detained for nearly eight hours alongside several other key African leaders. Othman, accompanied by the Tanzanian Ambassador to Zambia, Lieutenant General Matthew Edward Mkingule, had been invited to attend the African Democracy Forum, an international conference on governance and democracy across the continent.
Among those detained without explanation were former presidents from Botswana and Colombia, the former Prime Minister of Lesotho and other political figures from Africa and beyond. Othman condemned the actions of the Angolan authorities, describing them as a “shameful diplomatic act” that was completely unjustified.
He stressed that such behaviour undermines the core values of the African Union, especially considering that the Angolan President currently holds the AU Presidency.
“The actions taken against us have undermined the spirit of the African Union, especially when the Angolan President is currently the AU Chairperson,” Othman said.
He called on Africans and nations around the world who value unity and independence to condemn the incident. Despite his disappointment, Othman maintained his respect for the Angolan people and acknowledged Tanzania’s long-standing relations with the country.
“This was an Attack on Democracy in Africa”
In response to the incident, Othman chose to withdraw from the African Democracy Forum and return to Tanzania, saying he needed time to reflect on the incident, which was an attack on both diplomacy and democracy in Africa.
“I believe I need time to reflect and evaluate what has been done to us, this was an attack on diplomacy and democracy in Africa,” he said.
The incident, which lasted several hours and left the detained leaders exhausted, has sparked widespread anger across Africa. Othman’s decision to withdraw from the forum highlights the seriousness of the situation and sends a clear message that African leadership must maintain higher standards of respect and solidarity.