Senator Edwin Sifuna was denied entry into Angola while attending an event hosted by UNITA. He expressed gratitude to the Kenyan diplomatic mission and condemned the detention of over twenty leaders from various countries, including Tanzanians, Botswanans, and South Africans. Sifuna emphasized the need for their immediate release, criticizing Angola’s treatment of visitors despite its position in the African Union.
Senator Edwin Sifuna from Nairobi reached Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, after being denied entry into Angola. His visit to Central Africa was supported by an invitation from UNITA, Angola’s principal opposition party. Following this incident, Sifuna publicly acknowledged the assistance of the Kenyan diplomatic mission in Luanda, while also condemning the Angolan government for detaining over twenty leaders from various nations.
Sifuna called for the immediate release of those detained and detailed their nationalities: nine from Tanzania, five from Botswana, and three from Lesotho. Other detainees include two Malawians, one from eSwatini, one German national, two from the United Kingdom, and two South Africans. He expressed his disappointment, stating, “Such a shame that visitors can be treated like this in an African country when Angola chairs the African Union.”
Earlier on the same day, Sifuna announced that he and a group of politicians and activists from Uganda, Kenya, Ukraine, and Ethiopia were barred from entering Angola at the 4 de Fevereiro International Airport. Their visit was coordinated by UNITA’s President, Adalberto Costa Júnior, who had extended the invitation but was regretfully unsuccessful in gaining access due to government refusal.
Sifuna noted that a formal request for visas was submitted to Angolan authorities by UNITA’s presidential office. The letter, signed by Chief of Staff Lucas Tomás Nhanyula, specified that UNITA would assume full responsibility for the visitors during their stay in Angola, affirming their expected entry into the country was scheduled for March 13, 2025.
In conclusion, Senator Edwin Sifuna’s attempt to visit Angola was hindered by government restrictions leading to his denial of entry. Meanwhile, over twenty leaders from several countries remain detained, and Sifuna has vehemently called for their swift release. This incident raises questions regarding diplomatic relations and treatment of international visitors in Angola, especially given its leadership role within the African Union.
Original Source: nairobileo.co.ke
