Senator Edwin Sifuna traveled to Addis Ababa after being denied entry into Angola, where over 20 leaders from various countries were detained. He criticized Angola’s authorities while expressing gratitude to the Kenyan diplomatic mission. Sifuna emphasized the need for the immediate release of detainees and highlighted diplomatic issues surrounding their blocked entry.
Senator Edwin Sifuna of Nairobi recently arrived in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, after being denied entry to Angola. He was invited to Central Africa by UNITA, the main opposition party in Angola. In a statement on March 13, he expressed gratitude to the Kenyan diplomatic mission in Luanda for their assistance but criticized the Angolan authorities for detaining over 20 leaders from various nations.
Among those detained are nine individuals from Tanzania, five from Botswana, and three from Lesotho. The list of detainees also includes two Malawians, one from eSwatini, one German national, two from the UK, and two South Africans. Sifuna called for the immediate release of these leaders, highlighting the shameful treatment of visitors in a country currently chairing the African Union.
Detained upon arrival, Sifuna and a group of politicians and activists from several nations were blocked from entering Angola. Their visit had been initiated by UNITA’s President, Adalberto Costa Júnior. Sifuna later took to social media, stating, “UNITA President Adalberto Costa invited us to Angola. The government has denied us entry.”
He attached a letter from UNITA’s presidential office, which formally requested border visas for the group from Angola’s Migration and Foreign Services. The letter, signed by Chief of Staff Lucas Tomás Nhanyula, emphasized that UNITA would be responsible for the visitors’ stay, confirming their expected entry date of March 13, 2025.
In summary, Senator Edwin Sifuna condemned the treatment of foreign leaders in Angola after being denied entry while emphasizing the urgent need for the release of those detained. His statements reflect broader concerns about diplomatic protocols and the rights of visitors in host countries, particularly those leading African nations.
Original Source: nairobileo.co.ke
