Senator Edwin Sifuna was denied entry into Angola during a trip organized by UNITA, leading to the detention of over 20 leaders. He condemned the Angolan authorities for this action and called for the immediate release of the detained individuals from various countries.
Senator Edwin Sifuna of Nairobi safely arrived in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia after being denied entry into Angola. He traveled to Central Africa following an invitation from UNITA, Angola’s principal opposition party. On March 13, Sifuna expressed gratitude to the Kenyan diplomatic mission in Luanda for their assistance and condemned the detention of over 20 leaders from various countries by Angolan authorities.
Among those detained are nine Tanzanians, five individuals from Botswana, and three from Lesotho. Furthermore, detainees include two from Malawi, one from eSwatini, one German, two from the United Kingdom, and two from South Africa. Sifuna emphasized the urgency of their immediate release, stating, “Such a shame that visitors can be treated like this in an African country when Angola chairs the African Union.”
Earlier that day, Sifuna reported that he, along with other politicians and activists from Uganda, Kenya, Ukraine, and Ethiopia, had been denied entry upon arrival at Luanda’s 4 de Fevereiro International Airport. Their visit was arranged by UNITA’s President, Adalberto Costa Júnior. Sifuna later tweeted, “UNITA President Adalberto Costa invited us to Angola. The government has denied us entry.”
The senator included a letter indicating that UNITA’s presidential office had submitted a formal request for border visas for the group to Angola’s Migration and Foreign Services. This letter, signed by Chief of Staff Lucas Tomás Nhanyula, confirmed that UNITA would assume full responsibility for the visitors during their stay in the country. The letter stipulated that they were expected to enter Angola on March 13, 2025.
In summary, Senator Edwin Sifuna’s visit to Angola was thwarted as he and his colleagues were denied entry, while over 20 leaders remain detained by Angolan authorities. Sifuna expressed gratitude for the support received from the Kenyan diplomatic mission and condemned the injustices faced by those detained. His call for their immediate release highlights the ongoing challenges regarding freedom of movement in certain African nations.
Original Source: nairobileo.co.ke
