Kenya’s Senator Edwin Sifuna and other senior African leaders were denied entry into Angola despite an invitation from the opposition party, UNITA. Government immigration authorities blocked their arrival, raising concerns and provoking statements from affected leaders about historical alliances and expected treatment as SADC members. No official explanation has been provided by the Angolan government regarding the denial.
On March 14, 2023, Kenya’s Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna was part of a delegation of senior African political leaders who were denied entry into Angola. This incident, occurring at Luanda airport, came despite the delegation being formally invited by the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA) to attend a two-day meeting.
The group also included opposition figures from various countries, such as Tundu Lissu from Tanzania and former political leaders from several nations. Upon their arrival, they were confronted by Angolan immigration authorities, who refused them entry. Senator Sifuna expressed his frustration, stating, “UNITA President Adalberto Costa invited us to Angola. The government has denied us entry!”
Lissu condemned the denial as unacceptable, highlighting that over twenty senior leaders from across southern Africa faced similar issues. He pointed out the historical solidarity between Tanzania and Angola, noting, “As SADC members, Tanzanians don’t need visas to enter Angola,” thus emphasizing the inconsistency of this incident with past practices.
Among those affected by this entry denial were high-ranking officials such as a First Vice President from Tanzania, a former President of Botswana, and a former Prime Minister of Lesotho, in addition to delegates from multiple countries including Kenya, Sudan, and South Africa. The delegation had submitted a formal request for visas ahead of their visit, which was acknowledged by UNITA’s Office Director, Lucas Tomas Kanutula, affirming that UNITA would manage their stay.
Despite assurances from UNITA, the Angolan government provided no official explanation for the entry refusal, leaving the reasons for this action unclear and raising concerns about transparency and diplomatic relationships between these nations.
In summary, the denial of entry to a delegation of prominent African leaders into Angola, despite a formal invitation, raises significant concerns regarding political diplomacy in the region. The incident illustrates deeper historical ties and expected mutual cooperation among Southern African Development Community (SADC) nations. As the Angolan government has not released a formal explanation, the implications of this situation on future diplomatic endeavors remain uncertain.
Original Source: www.capitalfm.co.ke
