Edwin Sifuna Reacts To Being Blocked From Entering Angola

The outspoken senator alleged that Angolan authorities denied him entry upon arrival, despite assurances from the opposition leadership that they were welcome.

Ugandan opposition leader Robert Kyagulanyi, widely known as Bobi Wine, was also refused entry into the Central African country.

According to a document shared by Sifuna, the Office of the President of UNITA had formally requested border visas for the Nairobi senator and Bobi Wine, stating that they were scheduled to arrive at Fevereiro International Airport in Luanda on Thursday.

UNITA President Adalberto Costa. /VER ANGOLA

The document also confirmed that UNITA would take full responsibility for the two leaders' stay in Angola. "They will enter the country tomorrow, March 13, 2025, at the 4 de Fevereiro International Airport. The Office of the President of UNITA declares responsibility for their stay in Angola," the letter read.

Other individuals who accompanied Sifuna and Bobi Wine included Sharif Ssenyonjo Najja (Uganda), Cirino Hiteng Ofuho (Kenya), Oleksandr Omelchuk (Ukraine), Andriy Marasin (Ukraine) and Merera Gudina Jefi.

Despite denying entry to Sifuna, Angolan authorities did not provide an immediate explanation, raising diplomatic and political concerns, especially given that both Sifuna and Bobi Wine are opposition figures in their respective countries.

The situation further deepens diplomatic tensions, as it remains unclear whether the two leaders will seek further engagement to secure access to Angola.

Angola’s ruling People's Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA) and the opposition UNITA have a history of conflict, though hostilities have lessened in recent years. In the most recent general elections, MPLA narrowly defeated UNITA, which now serves as the country’s primary opposition party.

UNITA was established in 1966 by Jonas Savimbi as a nationalist movement seeking independence from Portuguese colonial rule.

After Angola gained independence in 1975, UNITA became a key player in the country's civil war (1975–2002), fighting against the ruling MPLA (People’s Movement for the Liberation of Angola), which had the support of the Soviet Union and Cuba.

Following Savimbi’s death in 2002 and the conclusion of the civil war, UNITA transitioned into a political party.

Since then, it has remained Angola’s main opposition force, advocating for democratic reforms, economic growth, and political change.