EXPLAINED: Why Senator Sifuna, Bobi Wine Were Denied Entry to Angola
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna was denied entry to Angola despite receiving an official invitation from the country’s leading opposition party.
In a statement released on March 13, the outspoken senator stated that Angolan officials denied him entry upon arrival, despite assurances from the opposition’s leadership that he was welcome.
Ugandan opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, widely known as Bobi Wine, was denied admission into the Central African nation.
UNITA President Adalberto Costa invited us to Angola. The Government has denied us entry! pic.twitter.com/dwfAXTZiBx
— Edwin Sifuna (@edwinsifuna) March 13, 2025
“UNITA President Adalberto Costa invited us to Angola. The government has denied us entry!” Sifuna said on X, formerly Twitter.
The senator attached an official communication from UNITA to confirm their invitation.
According to a document given by Sifuna, the UNITA President’s Office formally requested border permits for the Nairobi senator and Bobi Wine.
UNITA announced that they were scheduled to arrive at Fevereiro International Airport in Luanda on Thursday.
The contract also stated that UNITA will assume complete responsibility for the two commanders’ presence in Angola.
Angolan immigration authorities are holding up and denying entry into Angola for me and a delegation of more than twenty senior leaders and representatives of political parties from across southern Africa who arrived in Luanda earlier today for a planned two day meeting.
— Tundu Antiphas Lissu (@TunduALissu) March 13, 2025
The…
Despite being denied entry, Angolan authorities did not provide an instant explanation for why the leaders were unable to enter the country.
This poses diplomatic and political concerns, particularly given that both Sifuna and Bobi Wine are opposition figures in their respective nations.
The event presents additional diplomatic and political issues, as both Sifuna and Bobi Wine are strong opponents.
It is uncertain whether they will pursue other diplomatic efforts to acquire entry to Angola.
Angola’s government People’s Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA) and the opposition UNITA have a long history of hostility, however, hostilities have decreased in recent years.
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 Tanzanias, 5 from Botswana 3 from Lesotho, 2 Malawians, 1 from eSwatini,…
— Edwin Sifuna (@edwinsifuna) March 13, 2025
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The most recent general elections in Angola resulted in victory for the MPLA, who barely defeated UNITA, which now serves as the country’s legitimate opposition.
Locally, Sifuna, the Secretary-General of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party, has been entangled in political disputes, with some ODM affiliates accusing him of treason.
More recently, Nairobi County ODM Chairman George Aladwa accused the Senator of siding with deposed former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, implying that Sifuna’s days with the opposition party were numbered.
Sifuna’s close ties to party leader Raila Odinga were revealed on March 7, when he co-presented Raila’s Memorandum of Understanding with President William Ruto.
EXPLAINED: Why Senator Sifuna, Bobi Wine Were Denied Entry to Angola
