The Platform for African Democrats has condemned the Angolan government’s attempts to suppress a democracy meeting in Benguela through visa denials and detentions. Notable attendees were obstructed, with many unable to enter the country. PAD has called for a public apology from President João Lourenço and affirmed the resilience of African democracy proponents despite these challenges.
The Platform for African Democrats (PAD) has expressed strong condemnation of the Angolan government’s actions aimed at suppressing a significant democracy meeting in Benguela. This event, which was attended by former African heads of state, political figures, and advocates for democracy, faced numerous obstructions, including visa denials and deportations imposed by Angolan authorities.
Delegates from various countries, such as Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda, Tanzania, Mozambique, and South Sudan, experienced challenges entering the country due to visa complications, with numerous individuals detained without proper explanations at the airport. Over 25 notable political leaders were denied entry, highlighting the impact of the government’s restrictive measures.
Some attendees, including high-profile figures, experienced nine-hour detentions at the airport before being released without reaching their intended destination. Despite assurances of transportation provided by the Angolan government, logistical issues ensued, preventing delegates from attending the gathering as planned.
In their statement, PAD remarked, “The true nature of the Angolan regime has been exposed…desperate attempts to hold back the tide of progress towards people-centred societies in Africa,” emphasizing the need for a public apology from President João Lourenço to those affected.
Established in 2023, PAD seeks to enhance the political landscape across Africa by promoting best practices in governance and electoral processes. The choice of Angola as the host was notable given its leadership role in the African Union (AU), coinciding with the AU summit in Addis Ababa under the theme of justice for Africans.
The Benguela event, titled “The Future of Democracy in Africa,” aimed to build upon discussions from prior PAD summits and emphasize the importance of transparency against authoritarian trends in the continent. High-profile speakers at the event included Ian Khama, Moeketsi Majoro, Andrés Pastrana, and Othman Shariff.
Despite facing significant disruptions, PAD reaffirmed the commitment of African democracy advocates, stating, “This experience has had the opposite effect to that intended by the Angolan regime…Those resisting change are an impediment to the future of Africa.” They called for unity among African pro-democracy groups, asserting that the fight for democracy in Angola symbolizes the ongoing struggle across the continent.
The Platform for African Democrats has firmly denounced the Angolan government’s actions that suppressed a critical meeting focused on democracy. Despite facing opposition, PAD identified the experience as galvanizing for democracy proponents, advocating for unity and reform. The need for accountability and transparency remains paramount as they navigate challenges posed by authoritarian regimes in Africa.
Original Source: eastleighvoice.co.ke
