Angola denied entry to multiple senior African opposition leaders, including Tundu Lissu and Ian Khama, invited to a democracy summit by Unita. The government’s reasoning cited visa irregularities, while critics accuse it of silencing dissent in a purported democracy.
Angola has sparked controversy by refusing entry to several prominent African political figures, including Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu, Mozambique’s Venancio Mondlane, and former Botswana President Ian Khama. The leaders were invited by Unita, Angola’s main opposition party, to a summit focusing on democracy. Lissu labeled the government’s actions as “inexplicable and unacceptable” via social media platform X.
The denial of entry has highlighted ongoing concerns regarding political repression in Angola, especially given the government’s historical suppression of dissent. The refusal to allow key political figures to participate in a democratic conference raises questions about the country’s commitment to democratic principles, particularly under the leadership of President Joao Lourenco, who is currently chairing the African Union.
Original Source: www.bbc.com