Senator Edwin Sifuna was denied entry into Angola but safely arrived in Ethiopia. He condemned Angolan authorities for detaining over 20 leaders from various nations and called for their release. Their visit was organized by UNITA party, whose President had invited the group. A formal visa request was submitted by UNITA’s presidential office to Angolan officials.
Senator Edwin Sifuna of Nairobi arrived safely in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia following his denied entry into Angola. He was invited by UNITA, Angola’s main opposition party, for a visit intended to include several leaders from various nations. Sifuna later expressed appreciation for the Kenyan diplomatic mission’s support while denouncing the Angolan government for detaining over 20 foreign leaders.
Sifuna called for the immediate release of those detained, which includes nine individuals from Tanzania, five from Botswana, and three from Lesotho. Additionally, there are two Malawians, one eSwatini national, one German citizen, two UK nationals, and two from South Africa currently in custody. He highlighted the unjust treatment of these visitors, especially given that Angola holds the presidency of the African Union.
Earlier on the same day, Sifuna disclosed that he and a delegation of politicians from Kenya, Uganda, Ukraine, and Ethiopia were blocked from entering Angola upon arrival at Luanda’s 4 de Fevereiro International Airport. Their visit was organized by UNITA’s President, Adalberto Costa Júnior, who had extended the invitation to them.
Sifuna reported the denial via a post on platform X, sharing that UNITA’s presidential office had submitted a formal visa request to Angola’s Migration and Foreign Services. This submission, confirmed by Chief of Staff Lucas Tomás Nhanyula, assured the Angolan authorities that UNITA would oversee the visitors’ accommodations. The official communication stated, “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.”
In summary, Senator Edwin Sifuna’s trip to Angola was thwarted by entry denial while he successfully arrived in Ethiopia. His condemnation of the Angolan authorities for detaining multiple international leaders underscores concerns about political freedoms and hospitality in nations holding key positions in regional governance. Calls for the release of the detained leaders highlight the need for urgent attention to human rights within the continent.
Original Source: nairobileo.co.ke
