Senator Edwin Sifuna and a group of African leaders were denied entry into Angola despite an invitation from UNITA. The delegation included prominent figures from several African nations, who condemned the actions of Angolan immigration authorities. A formal request for visas was submitted prior, but the Angolan government remains silent on the situation.
On March 14, 2023, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, alongside other African political leaders, was denied entry into Angola upon arrival, despite an invitation from the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA). This group, including Tanzania’s opposition leader Tundu Lissu, aimed to partake in a two-day meeting but was prevented entry by Angolan immigration officials.
Senator Sifuna expressed his frustration, stating, “UNITA President Adalberto Costa invited us to Angola. The government has denied us entry!” This denial prompted condemnation from Lissu, who remarked, “Angolan immigration authorities are holding up and denying entry to me and over twenty senior leaders from across southern Africa,” describing the situation as unacceptable.
The notable delegation included notable figures such as a First Vice President from Tanzania, a former President of Botswana, a former Prime Minister of Lesotho, and representatives from several countries, including Kenya, Sudan, South Africa, Namibia, Eswatini, and others. Lissu highlighted Tanzania’s historical role in supporting Angola’s independence, emphasizing that Tanzanians, as SADC members, typically do not require visas to enter Angola.
Lissu recalled, “Tanzania hosted Dr. Antonio Agostinho Neto and his MPLA fighters in their early years of struggle,” reinforcing the significance of this incident. Despite submitting a formal request for border visas and assurances from UNITA’s Lucas Tomas Kanutula regarding the delegation’s stay, entry was still denied. The Angolan government has not issued an official statement to clarify this denial.
The denial of entry to Senator Edwin Sifuna and other senior political leaders into Angola raises significant diplomatic concerns. Despite an official invitation from UNITA and prior communications assuring compliance, immigration authorities blocked their entry. This incident highlights the complexities in regional relationships and the need for clarity from the Angolan government regarding its immigration policies.
Original Source: www.capitalfm.co.ke
