Zanzibar’s VP Othman Sharif, Senator Edwin Sifuna, Bobi Wine, and Tundu Lissu were denied entry into Angola and detained at Luanda Airport. Their passports have been confiscated as the Angolan government ordered their return to Tanzania and Kenya. This incident has sparked outrage among African leaders and political parties, calling for accountability and immediate clarification from Angolan authorities regarding diplomatic treatment.
A group of prominent African leaders, including Zanzibar’s Vice President Othman Masoud Sharif, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, and opposition figures Bobi Wine and Tundu Lissu, have been denied entry into Angola. They are reportedly being held at Luanda Airport with their passports confiscated. This incident occurred during a planned two-day meeting arranged by the Office of the President of the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA).
The leaders, part of a larger delegation exceeding 40 individuals from various political parties, had traveled to Angola for discussions but were stopped upon arrival. Sources indicate that the Angolan government has instructed their return to Tanzania and Kenya, routing them through Ethiopia and Johannesburg. Notably, the delegation included notable former leaders like Ian Khama of Botswana and Andrés Pastrana Arango of Colombia.
In a public statement via his X account, Senator Sifuna expressed frustration, highlighting that despite being invited by UNITA President Adalberto Costa, they were unjustly barred from entry. Sifuna also shared an official correspondence from Costa asking for border visas for the detainees, emphasizing the UNITA President’s responsibility for their welcome in Angola.
Tundu Lissu has vocally condemned the actions of Angolan immigration authorities, underscoring the high-profile nature of the detained delegation, which includes significant political figures from several nations. He reflected on the historical ties between Angola and Tanzania and expressed outrage over the treatment of African nationals.
The ACT-Wazalendo party has issued a strong condemnation regarding the treatment of its leaders, asserting that their detainment constitutes a violation of diplomatic protocols. The party has demanded clarification from the Angolan authorities and called for effective action from Tanzania’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. They are urging the immediate return of the confiscated passports and the swift facilitation of the delegation’s plans in Angola.
The denial of entry to a significant group of African leaders into Angola has raised serious concerns regarding diplomatic protocols and treatment of foreign dignitaries. With calls for accountability and immediate resolution, it highlights the need for clear communication and respect between nations, particularly within Africa. The actions of the Angolan authorities have been widely criticized, advocating for the prompt resolution of this matter.
Original Source: eastleighvoice.co.ke
