Leaders Denied Entry into Angola: A Diplomatic Incident of Concern
A delegation of African leaders, including Zanzibar’s VP Othman Sharif and notable opposition figures, were denied entry into Angola and detained at Luanda Airport with confiscated passports. Despite having an official invitation from UNITA, the Angolan government ordered their return without explanation, inciting strong condemnation from affected parties and raising diplomatic concerns.
Recent reports indicate that a group of African political leaders, including Zanzibar’s Vice President Othman Masoud Sharif, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, and Uganda’s Bobi Wine and Tundu Lissu, have been denied entry into Angola. Currently, they are detained at Luanda Airport with their passports confiscated, following their arrival for a scheduled two-day meeting organized by the Office of the President of the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA).
Despite holding an official invitation from UNITA, Angolan authorities barred their entry without providing any explanation. The affected leaders are now being mandated to return to their respective countries, specifically Tanzania and Kenya, via a route through Ethiopia and Johannesburg. Among those expected to participate in the forum were notable former leaders, including Ian Khama from Botswana and Andrés Pastrana Arango from Colombia.
In a statement via X, Senator Sifuna expressed disappointment over the situation, highlighting that “UNITA President Adalberto Costa invited us to Angola, but the government has denied us entry.” The statement also referenced an official letter from UNITA’s President seeking visas for the delegates ahead of their planned arrival in Angola.
Tundu Lissu condemned the actions of Angolan authorities, reinforcing the historical ties between Angola and Tanzania. He noted that Tanzanian officials and leaders from various African nations were unjustly treated, emphasizing, “The shabby treatment of the nationals of brotherly African nations by the Angolan immigration authorities is totally unacceptable.”
The ACT-Wazalendo party, to which some of the detained leaders belong, has condemned the treatment as degrading and inappropriate. The party is demanding clarity from Angolan authorities regarding the detainment, asserting that it violates diplomatic protocols. They are calling on the Angolan ambassador in Tanzania for an explanation and are urging swift action from Tanzania’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to address the issue.
In summary, several African political leaders, including Zanzibar’s Vice President and prominent opposition figures, have faced unjust treatment by Angolan authorities, resulting in their detention at Luanda Airport with confiscated passports. This incident has raised significant diplomatic concerns and prompted strong condemnation from associated political parties and leaders. The call for accountability from the Angolan government highlights the sensitivities surrounding diplomatic engagements among African nations.
Original Source: eastleighvoice.co.ke
