Senator Edwin Sifuna and six others were denied entry into Angola despite an invitation from UNITA’s President. Their visa request was submitted but ultimately rejected, highlighting political tensions surrounding opposition parties in Angola.
Senator Edwin Sifuna of Nairobi is one of seven individuals denied entry into Angola. This group, comprising politicians and activists from Uganda, Kenya, Ukraine, and Ethiopia, was scheduled to arrive at Luanda’s 4 de Fevereiro International Airport on March 13. They were invited by Adalberto Costa Júnior, President of UNITA, Angola’s main opposition party, to facilitate their visit.
Upon their arrival, Angolan authorities blocked the group from entering the country. Senator Sifuna expressed his frustration on X, stating, “UNITA President Adalberto Costa invited us to Angola. The government has denied us entry!” He also shared a letter confirming that UNITA had submitted a border visa request for the group to Angola’s Migration and Foreign Services.
The letter, signed by Chief of Staff Lucas Tomás Nhanyula, guaranteed that UNITA would take responsibility for the visitors during their stay. It read, “They will enter the country tomorrow, March 13, 2025, at the 4 de Fevereiro International Airport. The Office of the President of UNITA declares responsibility for their stay in Angola.”
Accompanying Sifuna are other notable individuals including Sharif Ssenyonjo Najja, Robert Ssentamu Kyagulanyi, Cirino Hiteng Ofuho, Oleksandr Omelchuk, Andriy Marasin, and Merera Gudina Jefi. UNITA, the party responsible for this invitation, was founded in 1966 by Jonas Savimbi to fight for independence from Portuguese colonial rule.
After Angola gained independence in 1975, UNITA became a prominent player in the civil war until its conclusion in 2002. Following the civil war, it shifted into a political party, continuing to serve as the main opposition force advocating for democratic reforms and economic advancement.
Senator Edwin Sifuna and six others were denied entry into Angola despite an invitation from UNITA’s President. Their visa request was formally submitted, but was rejected upon arrival. This highlights Angola’s ongoing political tensions, particularly concerning the operations and legitimacy of opposition parties like UNITA, which has a historical background in Angola’s quest for independence and democratic governance.
Original Source: nairobileo.co.ke
