Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party Secretary General Edwin Sifuna flew to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on Thursday night, hours after being denied entry into Angola. Sifuna, who also serves as the Nairobi Senator, was among several opposition leaders from across Africa invited to a two-day event hosted by Adalberto Costa, the President of Angola’s opposition party, the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA).
However, upon arrival at Luanda Airport, Sifuna and other opposition leaders found themselves barred from entering the country. The Angolan government has yet to issue an official explanation regarding the decision, leaving the stranded leaders frustrated.
Taking to social media, Sifuna expressed his disappointment at the Angolan authorities for what he termed as an unfair and undemocratic move. He thanked Kenyan Ambassador to Angola, Joyce Mmaitsi, for intervening and facilitating his safe exit from Angola to Ethiopia.
“Safely back in Addis after being kicked out of Angola. I thank the Kenyan Mission in Luanda, led by Amb. Joyce Mmaitsi. You guys are great. However, over 20 leaders from various countries are still detained,” Sifuna stated.
Among those still stranded in Angola were nine Tanzanians, five Botswana nationals, three from Lesotho, two Malawians, one eSwatini citizen, one German, two from the UK, and two South Africans. Sifuna called on Angolan authorities to release the leaders and allow them to leave the country.
“It is a shame that visitors can be treated like this in an African country, especially one that currently chairs the African Union,” he added.
Tanzania’s opposition leader Tundu Lissu, also affected by the situation, criticized the Angolan government’s actions, questioning why leaders were invited only to be denied entry upon arrival.
The incident has raised concerns about Angola’s commitment to democratic values and political tolerance, especially given its position as the chair of the African Union. As of now, the Angolan government has remained silent on the matter, leaving many awaiting an official response regarding the opposition leaders’ treatment and the rationale behind their denial of entry.
