Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and six others were denied entry into Angola while set to meet UNITA’s President. The group was blocked despite having a formal request for visas and assurances of their stay. UNITA, a key opposition party with a historical background, continues to play a significant role in Angola’s political landscape.
Senator Edwin Sifuna from Nairobi is one of seven individuals who were denied entry into Angola on March 13. This group, consisting of politicians and activists from Uganda, Kenya, Ukraine, and Ethiopia, was scheduled to arrive at Luanda’s 4 de Fevereiro International Airport with the intention of engaging in political discussions facilitated by UNITA’s President, Adalberto Costa Júnior.
Upon their arrival, Angolan authorities did not permit entry for the group. Senator Sifuna expressed his disappointment through social media, stating, “UNITA President Adalberto Costa invited us to Angola. The government has denied us entry!” He provided a letter indicating that a formal request for visas had been submitted by UNITA’s presidential office to Angola’s Migration and Foreign Services.
The letter, signed by Chief of Staff Lucas Tomás Nhanyula, assured that UNITA would hold full responsibility for the visitors during their stay. It stated, “They will enter the country tomorrow, March 13, 2025, at the 4 de Fevereiro International Airport. The Office of the President of UNITA declares responsibility for their stay in Angola.”
Other members of the group included Sharif Ssenyonjo Najja and Robert Ssentamu Kyagulanyi from Uganda, Cirino Hiteng Ofuho from Kenya, along with Oleksandr Omelchuk, Andriy Marasin from Ukraine, and Merera Gudina Jefi. UNITA, founded in 1966 by Jonas Savimbi, initially fought for independence from Portuguese colonial rule, later becoming prominent in Angola’s civil war against the ruling MPLA party after Angola gained independence in 1975.
The denial of entry to Senator Sifuna and six other international politicians and activists marks a significant development as it reflects Angola’s political climate concerning foreign influence and opposition engagements. This incident highlights the ongoing complexities within Angolan politics, particularly regarding the role of UNITA as the primary opposition force in the country.
Original Source: nairobileo.co.ke
