Angola Denies Entry to Prominent African Leaders Amid Diplomatic Tensions

Leaders including Zanzibar’s VP Othman Sharif and others were denied entry into Angola, detained at Luanda Airport, and had their passports confiscated. They were part of a larger delegation for a meeting but were sent back without explanation. The incident has sparked condemnation and demands for accountability from the affected political parties and their representatives.

The political landscape in Africa has recently witnessed a significant event involving prominent leaders, including Zanzibar’s First Vice President Othman Masoud Sharif, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, and opposition politicians Bobi Wine and Tundu Lissu. These individuals were denied entry into Angola, where they had intended to participate in a two-day meeting organized by the Office of the President of the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA). Reports indicate that they are currently being detained at Luanda Airport, with their passports confiscated by Angolan authorities.

The delegation consisted of over 40 senior political leaders from various African nations, including former presidents and representatives from different political parties. Notable figures expected at the meeting included former Botswana President Ian Khama and former Colombian President Andrés Pastrana Arango, among others. Upon arrival in Angola, the leaders were informed they would be sent back to their respective countries without an explanation for the government’s decision.

Senator Sifuna took to Twitter to express his dismay at being barred from entry, despite having an official invitation from UNITA’s President Adalberto Costa. “UNITA President Adalberto Costa invited us to Angola, but the government has denied us entry!” he stated, emphasizing the lack of clarity surrounding their detention. A formal communication from UNITA was shared by Sifuna, requesting border visas for the delegation, reaffirming their intent to cooperate with Angolan authorities.

Tundu Lissu condemned the unjust actions taken by Angolan immigration authorities, stating the group included a significant number of distinguished political figures. He highlighted the history of cooperation between Angola and Tanzania, underscoring that such treatment of leaders from one African nation by another is unacceptable. Lissu called for a reevaluation of this incident, considering the diplomatic ties both nations share.

The ACT-Wazalendo party, linked to several detained leaders, has articulated strong condemnation of this occurrence, describing it as a serious violation of diplomatic norms. They have demanded immediate clarification from Angolan officials concerning the detainment and passport confiscations. Mwanaisha Mndeme, Secretary of Foreign Affairs for ACT-Wazalendo, reiterated the degrading nature of this act and urged for accountability from the Angolan government. The party has requested a swift response from Tanzania’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to address the situation effectively.

This incident has raised significant concerns regarding diplomatic relations among African nations. The denial of entry and treatment of leaders like Othman Masoud Sharif, Edwin Sifuna, Bobi Wine, and Tundu Lissu by Angolan authorities showcases the need for transparency and respect for established diplomatic protocols. The call for explanations from both ACT-Wazalendo and Tanzanian authorities underlines the importance of resolving such conflicts to maintain solidarity and collaboration within the region.

Original Source: eastleighvoice.co.ke