Senator Sifuna and a delegation of senior African leaders were denied entry to Angola, despite an invitation from UNITA. Immigration authorities blocked them upon arrival, leading to condemnation and expressions of disappointment concerning the lack of diplomatic respect given the historical relationships among the nations involved. An official rationale for the denial has yet to be provided by the Angolan government.
On March 14, 2023, Kenya’s Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna was among multiple senior political leaders from various African nations who were denied entry into Angola. Despite an official invitation from Angola’s primary opposition party, the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA), the delegation was barred from entry by immigration authorities upon their arrival in Luanda for a planned two-day meeting.
The group of leaders included prominent figures such as Tanzania’s opposition leader Tundu Lissu, a former President of Botswana, and a former Prime Minister of Lesotho. They expressed their dismay at the Angolan government’s decision which seemed to disregard the diplomatic nature of their visit. Sifuna remarked, “UNITA President Adalberto Costa invited us to Angola. The government has denied us entry!”
Tundu Lissu labeled the action as unacceptable, highlighting that Angolan immigration authorities had detained over twenty senior leaders from Southern Africa. He drew attention to the historical relations between Tanzania and Angola during the latter’s independence struggle. Lissu noted, “As SADC members, Tanzanians don’t need visas to enter Angola,” emphasizing the inappropriateness of the denial given their past commitments.
Prior to their visit, a formal request for border visas had been submitted to the relevant Angolan authorities. UNITA’s Office Director Lucas Tomas Kanutula had assured Angolan officials of the party’s responsibility for the delegation’s accommodation and conduct. However, the group was still denied entry, leading to questions regarding the Angolan government’s rationale for the decision, which remains officially unexplained.
The denial of entry to Senator Edwin Sifuna and other senior African leaders into Angola highlights significant diplomatic tensions and raises concerns regarding regional cooperation. Despite an invitation from UNITA and prior visa requests submitted, the Angolan government’s actions demonstrate a contrast to the historical solidarity that various nations have shown towards Angola. The absence of an official explanation further complicates the diplomatic landscape, suggesting potential political motives behind the immigration authorities’ decision.
Original Source: www.capitalfm.co.ke
