Senator Edwin Sifuna arrived in Ethiopia after being denied entry to Angola, where over 20 leaders from various countries, including Tanzanians and South Africans, are detained. He condemned Angola’s treatment of visitors and called for the immediate release of those detained, emphasizing the shame associated with their treatment in an African country.
Senator Edwin Sifuna has landed in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia after being denied entry to Angola. His visit to Central Africa was organized by UNITA, Angola’s main opposition party. Sifuna expressed gratitude for the support received from the Kenyan diplomatic mission in Luanda but condemned Angolan authorities for detaining over 20 leaders from various countries, calling for their immediate release.
Among those detained, there are nine Tanzanians, five nationals from Botswana, and three from Lesotho. Additionally, two Malawians, one from eSwatini, one German, two from the UK, and two South Africans are being held. Sifuna remarked, “Over 20 leaders from various countries are still detained… The Angolan authorities must immediately let them out. Such a shame that visitors can be treated like this in an African country…”.
Initially, Sifuna along with a delegation of politicians from Uganda, Kenya, Ukraine, and Ethiopia was scheduled to arrive at Luanda’s 4 de Fevereiro International Airport. Their visit was facilitated by UNITA’s President Adalberto Costa Júnior but was thwarted when Angolan authorities barred their entry.
Sifuna reported on X that UNITA President Costa Júnior had invited them, stating, “The government has denied us entry.” He also shared a letter submitted to Angolan Migration and Foreign Services that requested border visas for the group. The letter, signed by UNITA’s Chief of Staff, assured Angolan authorities that the party would take full responsibility for the visitors during their stay in the country.
In conclusion, Senator Edwin Sifuna’s planned visit to Angola was disrupted by the authorities’ refusal of entry, which has sparked significant concern, especially regarding the detention of over 20 leaders from multiple countries. His call for their immediate release highlights issues of diplomatic relations and treatment of visitors in African nations, particularly in the context of Angola’s role in the African Union.
Original Source: nairobileo.co.ke
