Senator Sifuna Lands in Ethiopia as 20 Leaders are Detained in Angola

Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna flew safely to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia after being denied entry into Angola.

The Senator traveled to Central Africa following an invitation from UNITA, the country's main opposition party.

In a statement on Thursday, March 13, Sifuna expressed gratitude to the Kenyan diplomatic mission in Luanda for their support, but condemned the Angolan authorities for detaining over 20 other leaders from different countries.

Calling for their immediate release, he revealed that among those held by Angolan authorities are nine Tanzanians, five Botswana nationals and three from Lesotho.

Two individuals from Malawi, one from eSwatini, one German, two from the UK and two South Africans are also among those detained.

"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. 9 Tanzanians, 5 from Botswana, 3 from Lesotho, 2 Malawians, 1 from eSwatini, 1 German, 2 from the UK, and 2 South Africans. The Angolan authorities must immediately let them out. Such a shame that visitors can be treated like this in an African country when Angola chairs the African Union," he said.

Earlier Thursday, Sifuna revealed that he had been denied entry into Angola.

Sifuna, alongside a group of politicians and activists from Uganda, Kenya, Ukraine and Ethiopia, was expected to arrive at Luanda’s 4 de Fevereiro International Airport on Thursday. 

Their visit had been facilitated by the President of UNITA, Adalberto Costa Júnior, who had invited them to the country.

However, upon arrival, Angolan authorities blocked them from entering the country.

"UNITA President Adalberto Costa invited us to Angola. The government has denied us entry," Sifuna wrote on X.

Sifuna attached a letter indicating that a formal request for border visas for the group had been submitted to Angola’s Migration and Foreign Services by UNITA’s presidential office.

The letter, signed by Chief of Staff Lucas Tomás Nhanyula, assured Angolan authorities that UNITA would take full responsibility for the visitors’ stay in the country. 

"They will enter the country tomorrow, March 13, 2025, at the 4 de Fevereiro International Airport. The Office of the President of UNITA declares responsibility for their stay in Angola," the letter read.