Angola Faces Backlash After Denying Entry to African Political Leaders

By Babagana Jidda

Kanempress

March 17, 2024

Angola is facing criticism after it denied entry to several senior African political figures who were set to attend a democracy summit hosted by the opposition party, National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (Unita).

Among those blocked from entering were prominent figures such as Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu, Mozambican leader Venancio Mondlane, and former Botswana President Ian Khama.

Lissu described the government’s actions as “inexplicable and unacceptable,” pointing out the gravity of Angola’s decision to bar them from the country. He also revealed that at least 20 political leaders and representatives from various African parties were denied entry.

A source from Angola’s Migration and Aliens Service (SME) explained that the expulsion was due to irregularities in the visa process, which prevented Mondlane and 13 members of his entourage from entering the country.

Mondlane, who has been vocal about his opposition to what he claims were rigged elections in Mozambique, had recently been subjected to travel restrictions within his own country as well.

Lissu further criticized the Angolan government, accusing it of ruling with a dictatorship under the guise of democracy.

The decision to block these leaders has raised concerns about the state of political freedoms in Angola, with opposition groups arguing that such actions undermine the country’s claims of democratic governance.