Angola is under fire after denying entry to several senior African political figures invited to a democracy summit hosted by the country’s main opposition party, Unita.
Among those barred were Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu, Mozambique’s Venancio Mondlane, and Botswana’s former President Ian Khama.
Lissu, a vocal critic of the Tanzanian government and head of the opposition party Chadema, called the Angolan government’s actions “inexplicable and unacceptable” in a post on X.
The BBC has reached out to the Angolan government for comment, but a source from the Migration and Aliens Service (SME) claimed the denials were due to “irregularities in the visa procedure.”
Travel Restrictions and Political Tensions
Venancio Mondlane, who has called for nationwide protests over alleged election rigging in Mozambique, was among those denied entry. At least 20 leaders and representatives from various African political parties were reportedly barred from entering Angola, according to Lissu.
Kenyan senator Edwin Sifuna, from the opposition Orange Democratic Movement, also confirmed on X that he was denied entry. The Platform for African Democrats (Pad), a coalition of opposition parties, stated that delegates from Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda, Tanzania, Mozambique, and South Sudan were deported despite having valid visas or being eligible for visa-on-arrival.
Detentions and Missed Flights
Former Botswana President Ian Khama, Colombia’s former President Andres Pastrana, and Zanzibar’s first Vice-President Othman Masoud Othman were detained at the airport for nine hours without explanation. Although they were eventually released, they missed their connecting flights.
The Angolan government reportedly promised to provide a plane to compensate for the delays, but the opposition grouping claimed the offer never materialized.
Calls for Diplomatic Action
Zanzibar’s main opposition party, ACT Wazalendo, urged the Tanzanian government to summon the Angolan ambassador for a formal explanation. Mozambican political analyst Tomas Viera Mario described the move as “strange,” given Angolan President Joao Lourenco’s role as a continental mediator and current chair of the African Union (AU).
Lourenco is set to host peace talks over the DR Congo conflict next week, making the decision to bar opposition leaders even more puzzling. Mario criticized the action as showing “total contempt” and “little respect” for the pan-African spirit of the AU.
Unita Condemns Government’s Actions
The denied leaders were part of a delegation invited by Unita to attend its 59th anniversary celebrations in Benguela province. Unita lawmaker Nelito da Costa Ekwiki condemned the government’s decision, accusing it of silencing dissent to maintain its hold on power.
The Angolan government has long faced accusations of suppressing opposition voices, and this incident has further fueled concerns about its commitment to democratic principles.
