Senator Sifuna and other African leaders were denied entry into Angola despite an invitation by UNITA, leading to widespread condemnation from those affected. The group included notable opposition figures from Tanzania and beyond. Historical connections between the nations were highlighted, and a formal visa request had been made prior to the visit.
Senator Edwin Sifuna from Nairobi, Kenya, along with a group of prominent African political leaders, was denied entry into Angola on March 14. Their visit was sanctioned by UNITA, Angola’s main opposition party, but upon arrival, Angolan immigration authorities blocked their entry. This group also included Tundu Lissu, a notable figure from Tanzania’s opposition party, CHADEMA.
Lissu expressed his discontent with the situation, describing it as entirely unacceptable. “Angolan immigration authorities are holding up and denying entry to me and over twenty senior leaders from across southern Africa,” he stated. Notable figures from several countries, including a former President of Botswana and a First Vice President from Tanzania, were among those turned away.
The leaders were traveling to Luanda for a two-day meeting, with historical ties noted in Lissu’s comments. He recalled Tanzania’s robust support for Angola during its independence struggle in the 1970s and 1980s, highlighting their shared history against apartheid forces. “As SADC members, Tanzanians don’t need visas to enter Angola,” Lissu argued, making the denial of entry even more perplexing.
Before their departure, a formal request for border visas was submitted to Angolan authorities, with UNITA’s Office Director, Lucas Tomas Kanutula, promising responsibility for the group’s visit. Despite this pre-emptive assurance, the officials did not act accordingly, and the Angolan government has not released an official statement regarding the refusal to allow the delegation entry into the country.
The denial of entry to prominent African leaders into Angola raises questions about diplomatic relations and the treatment of international political figures. Despite formal protocols being followed and historical ties between the countries, the situation underscores ongoing challenges in regional cooperation. Without a statement from the Angolan government, the rationale for this incident remains unclear.
Original Source: www.capitalfm.co.ke
