Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna was denied entry into Angola despite an official invitation from UNITA. Alongside Ugandan leader Bobi Wine, he arrived at the airport but was barred entry without explanation. Their denial raises diplomatic concerns given their opposition status. Sifuna is also facing internal conflicts within his own party, ODM, raising questions about his political standing.
Senator Edwin Sifuna, representing Nairobi, has been denied entry into Angola, despite having received an official invitation from the country’s leading opposition party, UNITA. On March 13, he announced that Angolan authorities barred his entry upon his arrival, despite prior assurances from UNITA’s leadership regarding their welcome. In addition, Ugandan opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, commonly known as Bobi Wine, also faced a similar denial of entry into Angola.
In a statement made via X, formerly Twitter, Sifuna stated, “UNITA President Adalberto Costa invited us to Angola. The government has denied us entry!” He included an official invitation document from UNITA to validate their request. The communication indicated that border visas were formally requested for both Sifuna and Bobi Wine, who were expected at Fevereiro International Airport in Luanda on a scheduled date.
The document confirmed that UNITA would take full responsibility for the visit of both opposition leaders. However, upon their arrival, Angolan authorities failed to provide a reason for their denied access, which raises significant diplomatic and political issues, considering both figures represent opposition movements in their respective nations.
This incident adds to ongoing diplomatic tensions, especially since both individuals are prominent critics of the ruling governments in Kenya and Uganda. It is uncertain whether further diplomatic efforts will be pursued to enable their entry into Angola. The relationship between Angola’s ruling People’s Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA) and UNITA has a complex history, though recent years have seen a reduction in tensions.
Senator Sifuna, who serves as Secretary-General of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party, has recently been involved in controversies within his party, including accusations of disloyalty. Nairobi County ODM Chairman George Aladwa suggested Sifuna’s alignment with former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua could jeopardize his standing within the party. Nevertheless, Sifuna demonstrated loyalty to ODM leader Raila Odinga by co-presenting a memorandum with President William Ruto on March 7.
In summary, Senator Edwin Sifuna’s denial of entry into Angola, despite an official invitation from UNITA, raises critical diplomatic concerns, especially regarding the treatment of opposition figures. Both Sifuna and Bobi Wine’s situations reflect broader issues in political engagement for opposition leaders in their respective countries. Moreover, the internal conflicts within Sifuna’s own party indicate potential challenges ahead for his political future, amid shifting allegiances and accusations.
Original Source: www.kenyans.co.ke
