Kenya’s Senator Edwin Sifuna and a delegation of senior African leaders were denied entry into Angola despite an invitation from the opposition party UNITA. This includes prominent politicians from several countries, who have expressed disappointment and condemned the Angolan immigration authorities’ actions. The government has not yet provided an official reason for the denial.
On March 14, Kenya’s Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna was among several senior African political leaders denied entry into Angola. This incident occurred despite their invitation from the main opposition party, the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA). The delegation, which featured figures such as Tanzania’s Tundu Lissu, traveled to Luanda for a scheduled two-day meeting but was barred from entry by Angolan immigration authorities.
Senator Sifuna expressed his frustration, stating, “UNITA President Adalberto Costa invited us to Angola. The government has denied us entry!” Tundu Lissu, a senior leader from Tanzania’s opposition party CHADEMA, also criticized the action, labeling it as unacceptable. He mentioned, “Angolan immigration authorities are holding up and denying entry to me and over twenty senior leaders from across southern Africa.”
The group included prominent politicians such as a First Vice President from Tanzania, a former President of Botswana, and a former Prime Minister from Lesotho, along with delegates from various countries including Kenya, Uganda, South Africa, and the United States. Lissu pointed out Tanzania’s historical ties with Angola, noting its past support during Angola’s independence struggle. He remarked, “Tanzania hosted Dr. Antonio Agostinho Neto and his MPLA fighters in their early years of struggle. As SADC members, Tanzanians don’t need visas to enter Angola.”
Prior to their trip, a formal request for border visas was submitted to Angolan authorities, with assurances from UNITA’s Office Director, Lucas Tomas Kanutula, regarding the delegation’s arrangements. Nevertheless, upon arrival, the group was unexpectedly denied entry, and the Angolan government has yet to issue a formal explanation for their actions.
In summary, Senator Edwin Sifuna and a group of African political leaders were prohibited from entering Angola, despite their official invitation from UNITA. Prominent figures from various countries condemned the actions as unacceptable, especially given Tanzania’s supportive historical relationship with Angola. A formal visa request was submitted beforehand, raising questions about the Angolan government’s decision, which remains unexplained.
Original Source: www.capitalfm.co.ke
