Senator Edwin Sifuna was denied entry into Angola while traveling for an invitation from UNITA. He arrived in Ethiopia after expressing gratitude to the Kenyan diplomatic mission and condemned the detention of over 20 leaders from multiple countries by Angolan authorities. Sifuna urged their immediate release, highlighting the issue of how visitors are treated in African nations.
Senator Edwin Sifuna from Nairobi safely arrived in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, after being denied entry into Angola. His travel to Central Africa was in response to an invitation from UNITA, the principal opposition party in Angola. On March 13, Sifuna expressed appreciation for the assistance provided by the Kenyan diplomatic mission in Luanda while criticizing the Angolan government for detaining over 20 other leaders from various nations.
Among those detained are nine individuals from Tanzania, five from Botswana, and three from Lesotho, alongside others from Malawi, eSwatini, Germany, the United Kingdom, and South Africa. Sifuna urged the immediate release of these leaders, emphasizing that such treatment of visitors in an African nation is unacceptable, especially when Angola leads the African Union.
On the same day, Sifuna disclosed that entry into Angola had been denied. He was part of a delegation of politicians and activists from Uganda, Kenya, Ukraine, and Ethiopia, expected to arrive at Luanda’s 4 de Fevereiro International Airport. Their trip was coordinated by Adalberto Costa Júnior, the President of UNITA.
Upon arrival, however, Angolan authorities prevented their entry. Sifuna stated on social media, “UNITA President Adalberto Costa invited us to Angola. The government has denied us entry.” He also shared a letter indicating that UNITA’s presidential office had submitted a formal request for border visas to Angola’s Migration and Foreign Services, assuring the government of their responsibility for the group’s stay.
The letter, signed by Chief of Staff Lucas Tomás Nhanyula, confirmed the planned entry of the group into Angola on March 13, 2025, and reiterated UNITA’s commitment to hosting them throughout their visit.
In conclusion, Senator Edwin Sifuna’s journey to Angola was marred by his denial of entry, alongside the detention of over 20 leaders from various countries. This incident raises concerns about diplomatic relations and the treatment of visitors in African nations. Sifuna’s call for the immediate release of those detained reflects both a commitment to international solidarity and the need for respect among African states.
Original Source: nairobileo.co.ke
