Angola’s government has denied entry to several opposition politicians and former leaders, including from Tanzania and Mozambique, as they attempted to attend a democracy conference in the capital, Luanda.
The National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA), the country’s second-largest party, organized the event.
Tundu Lissu, Tanzania’s opposition leader, confirmed on social media that he and a delegation of over twenty leaders were stopped by Angolan immigration authorities.
Other high-profile figures, including former Colombian President Andrés Pastrana, were also detained at the airport.
Kenyan Senator Edwin Sifuna, alongside six other politicians, was blocked from entering as well.
UNITA’s letter to Angola’s immigration authorities on March 12, which Sifuna shared, confirmed their planned arrival at Luanda’s Quatro de Fevereiro Airport.
Sources indicated that at least two dozen individuals, including former presidents and human rights activists, were denied entry.
The Angolan government has not commented on the incident.
However, UNITA member Nelito da Costa Ekwiki condemned the action, stating it harmed the reputation of President João Lourenço, who currently chairs the African Union.
Angola, a resource-rich nation in southern Africa, has recently worked to position itself as a peace mediator in regional conflicts.
However, human rights groups and opposition activists have criticized the government for increasing repression, including laws restricting media freedom and protests.
