Leaders Including Zanzibar’s VP Denied Entry into Angola Amid Diplomatic Tensions
A delegation comprising notable leaders from Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda was denied entry into Angola. Held at Luanda Airport, their passports were confiscated without explanation by the Angolan government. Key political figures have condemned this treatment, with demands for accountability and the return of their passports, citing violations of diplomatic protocols.
Recently, several prominent political leaders, including Zanzibar’s Vice President Othman Masoud Sharif, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, and opposition figures Bobi Wine and Tundu Lissu, were denied entry into Angola. They are among over 40 senior officials who were en route to Luanda for a two-day meeting organized by the Office of the President of the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA).
Sources indicate that the leaders are currently detained at Luanda Airport, where their passports have been confiscated. The Angolan government has not provided a reason for this action and has ordered their return to their respective countries through designated flights.
Notable individuals slated to attend the forum included former leaders such as Ian Khama from Botswana and Andrés Pastrana Arango from Colombia, along with other prominent political figures from across Africa.
Senator Sifuna stated via social media that despite the invitation received from UNITA, Angolan authorities blocked their entry, expressing discontent over the treatment meted out. Sifuna shared a statement from UNITA’s President requesting border visas for the detained leaders, indicating prior arrangements for their visit.
Tundu Lissu condemned the action taken by Angolan immigration authorities, highlighting the collective significance of the detained leaders and emphasizing the historical ties between Angola and Tanzania. Lissu regarded the treatment of Tanzanian nationals as unacceptable, stating that such actions should be condemned firmly.
The ACT-Wazalendo party, which includes leaders such as Othman Masoud Sharif, has denounced the degrading treatment of Tanzanian representatives. The party is seeking explanations from Angolan officials regarding the detainment and passport confiscation, underscoring diplomatic protocol violations. They demand the immediate return of the passports and express the need for Angola to respect the rights of Tanzanian citizens.
Furthermore, ACT-Wazalendo has urged Tanzania’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation to address the issue, ensuring that Angolan authorities are held accountable and the leaders can proceed without further issues.
The denial of entry into Angola for several respected African leaders, including Zanzibar’s Vice President Othman Sharif and Ugandan opposition figure Bobi Wine, has raised significant diplomatic concerns. With calls for accountability from ACT-Wazalendo and condemnation of the treatment by fellow politicians, it is imperative that the Angolan authorities provide clarity. The incident reflects the delicate nature of international relations and the necessity of upholding diplomatic protocols.
Original Source: eastleighvoice.co.ke
