Senator Sifuna Denied Entry in Angola, Calls for Release of Detained Leaders
Senator Edwin Sifuna traveled to Ethiopia after being denied entry into Angola. He condemned the detainment of over 20 international leaders in Angola, calling for their immediate release. The visit was facilitated by UNITA’s president, but upon arrival, authorities blocked entry despite a formal visa request.
Senator Edwin Sifuna of Nairobi successfully 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. In a statement released on March 13, Sifuna expressed appreciation for the assistance provided by the Kenyan diplomatic mission in Luanda while condemning the Angolan authorities for detaining over 20 leaders from various nations.
Sifuna disclosed that among those detained by Angolan authorities are nine people from Tanzania, five from Botswana, and three from Lesotho. Additionally, there are two individuals from Malawi, one from eSwatini, one German national, two from the UK, and two South Africans among those held. He called for their immediate release, emphasizing the inappropriate treatment of international visitors in a country that presides over the African Union.
Earlier on the same day, Senator Sifuna announced that he had been barred from entering Angola. Alongside a group of politicians and activists from Uganda, Kenya, Ukraine, and Ethiopia, he was set to arrive at Luanda’s 4 de Fevereiro International Airport, with the visit facilitated by UNITA President Adalberto Costa Júnior, who had personally invited the group.
Upon disembarkation, Angolan authorities prevented them from entering the nation. Sifuna noted on social media, “UNITA President Adalberto Costa invited us to Angola. The government has denied us entry.” The Senator attached a document demonstrating that a formal visa request had been submitted to Angola’s Migration and Foreign Services by UNITA’s presidential office, confirming that the party would assume all responsibility for the visitors’ accommodations while in Angola.
Senator Sifuna’s visit to Angola was thwarted by authorities denying entry to himself and a group of international leaders. While he expressed gratitude to the Kenyan diplomatic mission for their support, Sifuna condemned the ongoing detainment of over 20 leaders from various countries. He called for their prompt release, highlighting the need for better treatment of visitors in Angola amidst its role in the African Union.
Original Source: nairobileo.co.ke
