Senator Edwin Sifuna was denied entry into Angola while on a diplomatic trip. Following this, he condemned the detention of over 20 leaders from various nations. He called for their release and criticized the treatment by Angolan authorities. Sifuna’s visit was officially sanctioned by UNITA, Angola’s main opposition party.
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna arrived safely in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, after being denied entry into Angola. He was visiting Central Africa at the invitation of UNITA, the main opposition party in Angola. On March 13, Sifuna thanked the Kenyan diplomatic mission in Luanda but condemned the detention of over 20 leaders from various nations by Angolan authorities.
Senator Sifuna called for the immediate release of those detained, including nine Tanzanians, five citizens from Botswana, and three from Lesotho. The list of detained individuals also comprises two Malawians, one from eSwatini, one German, two from the UK, and two South Africans. Sifuna criticized Angola’s treatment of visitors, especially holding the position of chair in the African Union.
Earlier on the same day, Sifuna revealed that he and his group were denied entry upon arrival at Luanda’s 4 de Fevereiro International Airport. This group included politicians and activists from Uganda, Kenya, Ukraine, and Ethiopia, all invited by Adalberto Costa Júnior, President of UNITA.
Despite a formal request for border visas submitted by the presidential office of UNITA, Angolan authorities blocked their entry. Sifuna shared a letter from Chief of Staff Lucas Tomás Nhanyula, which confirmed the responsibility of UNITA for the group’s stay in Angola, indicating that they were supposed to enter the country on March 13, 2025, at the international airport.
In summary, Senator Edwin Sifuna’s visit to Angola was thwarted by authorities who denied entry to him and other leaders from various countries. He condemned the detention of more than 20 individuals, calling for their immediate release. The situation raises concerns regarding the treatment of international visitors in Angola, a country currently chairing the African Union.
Original Source: nairobileo.co.ke
