Edwin Sifuna, along with other African opposition leaders, was denied entry into Angola during a visit for a UNITA-sponsored event. The leaders expressed their frustrations over social media, condemning the treatment that reflects ongoing regional political tensions. The reason for the denial remains unclear.
On Thursday, Edwin Sifuna, the Secretary General of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), was among several African opposition leaders denied entry into Angola. They were invited by Adalberto Costa, the President of the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA), for a two-day event. Along with Sifuna were prominent figures such as Tanzania’s Tundu Lissu and Zanzibar’s Vice President Othman Masoud, who were stranded at Luanda Airport due to the government’s actions.
The leaders expressed their frustrations on social media. Sifuna remarked, “UNITA President Adalberto Costa invited us to Angola. The Government has denied us entry!” Meanwhile, Lissu condemned the incident, stating, “This shabby treatment of the nationals of brotherly African nations by the Angolan immigration authorities is totally unacceptable and should be condemned in the strongest possible terms.”
The reason for the entry denial remains unclear, raising questions about the Angolan government’s stance towards opposition leaders from other African nations. Such actions highlight the challenges faced by Africa’s opposition figures when engaging with their counterparts across borders.
The denial of entry to Edwin Sifuna and fellow opposition leaders into Angola points to ongoing challenges faced by African political figures in navigating regional dynamics. The lack of clarity regarding the government’s rationale for this decision underscores the complexities and potential tensions within the African political landscape. This incident raises concerns about the treatment of opposition parties and collaboration among nations in the continent.
Original Source: www.citizen.digital
