Kenya’s Senator Edwin Sifuna and other senior African leaders were denied entry into Angola despite an invitation from the opposition party, UNITA. This event, which included prominent figures from Tanzania and other nations, was criticized as unacceptable, highlighting issues of diplomacy and political relations in Southern Africa.
On March 14, 2023, Edwin Sifuna, a Senator from Nairobi, Kenya, was part of a delegation of African leaders who were barred from entering Angola after being invited by the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA). Accompanying him were key opposition figures from Tanzania and other countries, who intended to participate in a two-day meeting in Luanda. However, upon arrival, Angolan immigration officials prevented their entry.
Senator Sifuna expressed his disappointment at the situation, stating, “UNITA President Adalberto Costa invited us to Angola. The government has denied us entry!” Similarly, Tundu Lissu, a prominent opposition leader in Tanzania, criticized the incident as being intolerable. He remarked, “Angolan immigration authorities are holding up and denying entry to me and over twenty senior leaders from across southern Africa.”
The affected delegation included notable figures such as a First Vice President from Tanzania, a former President of Botswana, and a former Prime Minister of Lesotho. Participants also hailed from Kenya, Sudan, South Africa, Namibia, Eswatini, Germany, the USA, Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Mozambique, all of whom were denied entry into Angola.
Lissu further emphasized the historical connections between Tanzania and Angola, recalling that Tanzania played a supportive role during Angola’s independence struggle. He stated, “As SADC members, Tanzanians don’t need visas to enter Angola,” highlighting the unexpected nature of the denial.
Prior to the visit, a formal visa request had been submitted to the Angolan authorities. UNITA’s Office Director, Lucas Tomas Kanutula, had ensured that the party would manage all logistics for the delegation. Despite this assurance, the Angolan government did not provide clarity on the denial of entry to the group.
The incident involving Senator Edwin Sifuna and other African leaders being denied entry into Angola raises significant concerns about diplomatic relations and the treatment of political figures within the Southern African region. Despite prior invitations and formal visa requests, political dynamics have led to a contentious situation, with leaders calling for accountability from the Angolan government.
Original Source: www.capitalfm.co.ke
