Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna traveled to Ethiopia after being denied entry to Angola, where over 20 leaders from various nations remain detained by authorities. Sifuna condemned this action and called for their release while expressing thanks for the Kenyan diplomatic support during his trip.
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna arrived in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia after being denied entry into Angola. His trip was intended to respond to an invitation from UNITA, Angola’s principal opposition party. Despite expressing appreciation for the support from the Kenyan diplomatic mission in Luanda, Sifuna condemned the Angolan authorities for detaining over 20 leaders from various nations.
He called for the immediate release of those detained, which includes nine Tanzanians, five nationals from Botswana, and three from Lesotho. Additionally, the group contains two individuals from Malawi, one from eSwatini, one German, two from the UK, and two South Africans. Sifuna emphasized the inappropriate treatment of visitors in Angola, which currently holds the chairmanship of the African Union.
Earlier on the same day, he disclosed the denial of entry for himself and a group of politicians and activists from Uganda, Kenya, Ukraine, and Ethiopia. They had planned to arrive at Luanda’s 4 de Fevereiro International Airport, facilitated by UNITA President Adalberto Costa Júnior’s invitation. Unfortunately, upon arrival, Angolan authorities barred them from entry.
Sifuna had documented the formal visa request submitted by UNITA’s presidential office to Angola’s Migration and Foreign Services. The accompanying letter, signed by Chief of Staff Lucas Tomás Nhanyula, confirmed UNITA’s full responsibility for the visitors’ stay while assuring their entry in the country.
Overall, the situation highlights significant tensions regarding political hospitality and the treatment of foreign leaders in Angola, prompting Sifuna to voice his disappointment with the Angolan government’s actions.
In conclusion, Senator Edwin Sifuna’s recent travel to Ethiopia underscores significant diplomatic challenges in Angola, where over 20 political leaders remain detained. Despite Sifuna’s gratitude towards the Kenyan diplomats, he has called for the immediate release of those unlawfully held. The incident raises questions about the hospitality offered by Angolan authorities, especially as the country positions itself within the African Union framework.
Original Source: nairobileo.co.ke
