Senator Sifuna and African Leaders Denied Entry into Angola

Senator Edwin Sifuna and a group of senior African leaders were denied entry into Angola despite an invitation from UNITA for a meeting. The delegation included political figures from various countries. Tundu Lissu condemned the incident, calling it unacceptable, and emphasized historical ties. The Angolan government has not provided an explanation for the visa denial.

On March 14, 2023, Edwin Sifuna, Nairobi Senator from Kenya, was denied entry into Angola along with a contingent of senior African politicians. This group had received an invitation from the Angolan opposition party, the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA), to partake in a two-day discussion in Luanda, but was halted by immigration officials upon arrival.

Senator Sifuna expressed his frustration, stating, “UNITA President Adalberto Costa invited us to Angola. The government has denied us entry!” Among the other notable figures in the group was Tundu Lissu, a prominent opposition leader from Tanzania, who criticized the immigration denial as unacceptable, asserting, “Angolan immigration authorities are holding up and denying entry to me and over twenty senior leaders from across southern Africa.”

The affected delegation comprised various high-ranking officials, including a First Vice President from Tanzania, a former President of Botswana, a former Prime Minister of Lesotho, and representatives from several nations such as Kenya, Sudan, South Africa, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, among others.

Lissu highlighted Tanzania’s historical solidarity with Angola during its independence struggle in the 1970s and 1980s, noting, “Tanzania hosted Dr. Antonio Agostinho Neto and his MPLA fighters in their early years of struggle.” He emphasized that being a member of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) should exempt them from the visa requirement, calling the incident “totally unacceptable.”

The delegation had complied with protocol by submitting a formal visa request to the Angolan government, and Lucas Tomas Kanutula, UNITA’s Office Director, had assured that the party would oversee their visit. However, despite these assurances, the group was refused entry, and the Angolan government has not yet issued an explanation for the denial.

In conclusion, Senator Edwin Sifuna and his fellow African leaders faced an unexpected refusal of entry into Angola, despite an official invitation from the opposition party UNITA. The incident raises questions about visa protocols and diplomatic relations within the Southern African Development Community. Moreover, the reactions of those involved underscore the significance of historical ties and mutual support among African nations. The lack of an explanation from the Angolan government further complicates the situation.

Original Source: www.capitalfm.co.ke