Venâncio Mondlane Decries Entry Denial into Angola as Public Shame

Venâncio Mondlane condemned his denial of entry into Angola, calling it a “public shame” and considering legal action against the Angolan government. The incident involved the detention of several international figures at the airport and drew attention to potential breaches of legal protocols. Mondlane’s situation is compounded by scrutiny from Mozambican authorities for prior political actions.

Mozambican politician Venâncio Mondlane publicly condemned his denial of entry into Angola, labeling it a “public shame” and a violation of Angolan laws. He indicated he may pursue legal action against the Angolan government. Mondlane, speaking from Maputo during a Facebook live session, emphasized the event reflected poorly on Angola’s international image.

The context of his denial centers around a significant incident at the 4 de Fevereiro International Airport, where several international dignitaries, including former Presidents Ian Khama of Botswana and Andrés Pastrana of Colombia, were detained for hours. The group was in Angola for a conference on democracy organized by the Brenthurst Foundation.

Mondlane criticized Angola’s immigration services for failing to provide reasons for their refusal of entry, which he claimed violated legal norms typically observed in such cases. He noted that the delegation was not formally deported, suggesting a high level of irregularity surrounding their treatment. Additionally, he plans to advocate for legal action due to the breaches of Southern African Development Community (SADC) and African Union protocols.

Mondlane designated March 13 as “the day of public shame in Angola,” asserting that the Ministry of the Interior initiated the detention of the delegation without formal communication. He expressed embarrassment over this incident occurring in a country holding the African Union presidency. Mondlane urged other organizations to consider legal action against Angola as well.

Simultaneously, tensions rise around Mondlane as he is being scrutinized by Mozambique’s Attorney General’s Office for allegedly inciting violence amid recent post-election protests. He was heard by the Public Prosecutor’s Office regarding cases related to the civil unrest following elections, marking a notable political climate measured against the country’s historical democratic processes.

Despite the initial denial, former Presidents Khama and Pastrana were eventually granted entry but Khama opted to leave in light of the circumstances. He expressed his shock at the treatment he received, recalling a prior invitation from Angolan President João Lourenço.

In summary, Venâncio Mondlane’s rejection from Angola highlights serious diplomatic concerns, reflecting negatively on the country’s international standing. The incident involved other notable international figures and raised questions regarding adherence to established legal protocols. Meanwhile, Mondlane faces scrutiny from Mozambican authorities, further complicating the political landscape in both nations. This event serves as a critical reminder of the intricacies of international relations and the significance of legal processes in such matters.

Original Source: clubofmozambique.com