Several foreign politicians, including two former African presidents, were denied entry into Angola on Thursday to attend a conference organized by the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA), the country’s leading opposition party.
UNITA invited figures such as Tanzania’s opposition leader Tundu Lissu and Mozambique’s Venancio Mondlane to discuss democracy. However, Angolan immigration authorities blocked their entry. Lissu revealed on social media that he and over twenty senior leaders were held up and denied access. Former Colombian President Andres Pastrana also reported being detained at Luanda’s Quatro de Fevereiro Airport.
Kenyan Senator Edwin Sifuna shared a letter from UNITA to Angola’s immigration authorities, confirming his arrival with six other politicians, including two Ukrainians. Sources indicated that at least two dozen officials, including human rights activists, were barred from entry.
The Angolan government has yet to comment on the situation. UNITA Member of Parliament Nelito da Costa Ekwiki criticized the move, warning it tarnishes President Joao Lourenco’s image, especially as he currently chairs the African Union.
Angola, known for its role in peace efforts in the Democratic Republic of Congo, continues to face allegations of increasing repression, including new laws restricting media freedom and protests. The country’s history is marked by a 27-year civil war that followed its independence from Portugal in 1975, with UNITA fighting against the ruling MPLA party, which remains in power.