The Platform for African Democrats condemned the Angolan government for obstructing a democracy meeting in Benguela, which was attended by former African leaders and democracy advocates. Delegates faced visa denials, detentions, and deportations. PAD called for a public apology from President João Lourenço, asserting that the incident emphasizes the ongoing struggle for democracy across Africa and the need for collective action among democratic supporters.
The Platform for African Democrats (PAD) has publicly condemned the actions of the Angolan government to suppress a significant democracy meeting in Benguela. This gathering included former African leaders, political figures, and advocates for democracy and was disrupted by the authorities through visa denials, detentions, and deportations of delegates from various African nations such as Kenya, Uganda, and Ethiopia.
Numerous attendees were denied visas under the guise of “technical reasons,” while others with valid or potential visas faced detention and deportation upon arrival. Notably, over 25 political leaders from Southern Africa, including Edwin Sifuna from the Orange Democratic Movement, were denied entry, and a group of delegates endured a nine-hour detention at the airport.
Despite assurances from the Angolan government to provide transportation to Benguela, delegates faced further challenges when the vehicles broke down en route. Some were redirected to different airports without subsequent arrangements for flights to their original destination, exacerbating an already difficult situation.
PAD expressed that, “The true nature of the Angolan regime has been exposed,” emphasizing the government’s willingness to diminish the credibility of former African leaders and hinder discussions on democracy. In a strong statement, PAD organizers called on President João Lourenço to issue a public apology to those affected, stating that his government’s actions reflected a refusal to engage in democratic dialogue in Africa.
Established in 2023, PAD aims to empower political parties across the continent by sharing electoral and governance best practices. The organization selected Angola as the host country due to its current role as chair of the African Union (AU), which held its summit simultaneously in Addis Ababa. The AU’s theme for the year, focusing on justice and reparations, starkly contrasted the actions taken against democracy advocates in Angola.
The event titled “The Future of Democracy in Africa” sought to build upon discussions from previous PAD meetings in Poland and South Africa, emphasizing the need for transparency and resistance against authoritarianism. High-profile attendees at the event included notable figures like former Botswana President Ian Khama and former Lesotho Prime Minister Moeketsi Majoro.
Despite the government’s obstructions, PAD affirmed that the challenges faced would only reinforce the commitment to democracy across the continent, stating, “The fight for democracy, openness, and accountability is stronger than ever.” In a rallying cry, PAD encouraged African democrats to unite in advocating reform, asserting that “the struggle for democracy in Angola is the struggle for democracy elsewhere in Africa and everywhere.”
In conclusion, the Platform for African Democrats has condemned the Angolan government’s efforts to stifle a significant democracy meeting in Benguela, which saw the detainment and deportation of various delegates. The organization’s strong response underscores the commitment to advancing democratic values in Africa, despite state interference. Their call for unity among African democrats highlights the shared struggle for democracy across the continent.
Original Source: eastleighvoice.co.ke
