Mozambican politician Venâncio Mondlane expressed deep disapproval over being denied entry into Angola, labeling it a “public shame” and a legal violation. He suggests potential legal action against the Angolan government due to irregularities during the incident that also involved other prominent figures. The situation raises concerns regarding Angola’s adherence to diplomatic protocols.
Venâncio Mondlane, a prominent Mozambican politician, publicly condemned his denial of entry into Angola as a “public shame” and a breach of legal protocol. He suggested potential legal action against the Angolan government following an incident at the 4 de Fevereiro International Airport, where he, along with former Presidents Ian Khama of Botswana and Andrés Pastrana of Colombia, was detained for several hours and subsequently ordered to leave the country.
The delegation was in Angola to attend a conference on democracy in Africa organized by the Brenthurst Foundation. Mondlane criticized the Angolan immigration services for not providing a reason for their refusal to allow entry, stating such a decision was unprecedented and lacked legal justification. According to Mondlane, they were not formally deported, which he deemed an egregious irregularity. He called for a legal case against Angola for breaching protocols of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the African Union.
Mondlane also described March 13 as a day of public shame for Angola, expressing concern that the order came from the Ministry of the Interior without proper notification of the delegation. The incident is particularly troubling given Angola’s current presidency of the African Union. Mondlane advocated for various organizations to unite and pursue legal measures against the Angolan state.
Separately, Mondlane faces legal challenges in Mozambique, including accusations of inciting violence following recent electoral protests, which are being investigated by the country’s Attorney General’s Office. He had already notified the authorities of his planned trip to Angola prior to the incident. Though Khama and Pastrana were later allowed entry, Khama opted to leave in protest of the treatment received, expressing disbelief at the situation.
The conference, co-hosted by the Konrad Adenauer Foundation and the World Liberty Congress, was slated to occur in Benguela over the weekend, further illustrating the unfortunate circumstances surrounding this event.
Overall, the denial of entry into Angola has raised significant concerns about diplomatic relations and the country’s adherence to international standards of hospitality, amidst a backdrop of political tension.
The denial of entry experienced by Venâncio Mondlane and other international guests into Angola highlights troubling aspects of the nation’s compliance with international diplomatic protocols. Mondlane’s call for legal action against the Angolan state underscores his strong critique of the situation, while also reflecting broader issues regarding political freedoms and human rights in the region. The fallout from this incident may have lasting implications on Angola’s reputation and international relations.
Original Source: clubofmozambique.com
