Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna was denied entry into Angola while accompanying a group invited by the UNITA party. He condemned the detention of over 20 leaders from various countries, advocating for their release. The group had formal permission from UNITA, but Angolan authorities barred their entry, raising concerns about diplomatic treatment.
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna arrived safely in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, after being denied entry into Angola. His travel followed an invitation from UNITA, Angola’s primary opposition party. On March 13, Sifuna expressed appreciation for the support from the Kenyan diplomatic mission in Luanda but denounced the detention of over 20 leaders from various countries by Angolan authorities.
He called for their immediate release, identifying the detainees as nine Tanzanians, five individuals from Botswana, and three from Lesotho. Additionally, two Malawians, one from eSwatini, one German national, two UK citizens, and two South Africans were also among those detained. Sifuna lamented, “Such a shame that visitors can be treated like this in an African country when Angola chairs the African Union.”
Earlier on the same day, Sifuna disclosed that he and a group of activists and politicians had been denied entry upon their arrival at Luanda’s 4 de Fevereiro International Airport. The delegation, expected to arrive together, included representatives from Uganda, Kenya, Ukraine, and Ethiopia, and was invited by UNITA’s President, Adalberto Costa Júnior.
Despite having a formal request for border visas submitted on their behalf by UNITA, the Angolan government refused to let them enter the country. Sifuna shared on social media, “UNITA President Adalberto Costa invited us to Angola. The government has denied us entry.” This request had been validated by a letter signed by UNITA’s Chief of Staff, Lucas Tomás Nhanyula, assuring the Angolan authorities of UNITA’s responsibility for the group’s stay in Angola.
In conclusion, Senator Edwin Sifuna’s detention in Angola highlights significant issues regarding diplomatic relations and the treatment of foreign visitors. His appeal for the immediate release of detained leaders underscores a call for accountability and humane treatment within the African continent. The involvement of UNITA in facilitating this visit also emphasizes the political dynamics at play.
Original Source: nairobileo.co.ke
