Is African Democracy Under Threat from Political Repression?

Across Africa, ruling governments often face criticism for actions perceived as silencing opposition voices through arrests, intimidation, and political bans. For instance, in Uganda, prominent opposition figures like Bobi Wine and Kizza Besigye have reported experiencing significant challenges in their political activities.

In Tanzania, Tundu Lissu has endured an assassination attempt and continues to navigate ongoing threats to his safety. Recently, Angola has also been in the spotlight for restricting access to a political event organized by the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA), which has raised alarm among politicians from across Africa seeking to participate in democratic discourse.

Now the main question remains, how long will African governments view opposition leaders as enemies instead of competitors? True democracy can only exist when all voices are allowed to speak freely.

On Thursday, March 13, 2025, several African opposition leaders, including Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, Tanzanian politician Tundu Lissu, and Ugandan musician and politician Bobi Wine, were stopped from entering Angola after landing at Luanda’s Quatro de Fevereiro International Airport.

They had traveled to attend a conference in Benguela, organized by Angola’s main opposition party, UNITA, to mark its 59th anniversary and discuss democracy and governance in Africa.

Even though they had official invitations from UNITA’s leader, Adalberto Costa, immigration officials refused to let them in. Former Colombian President Andrés Pastrana also faced the same problem.

Senator Edwin Sifuna shared his frustration on X (formerly Twitter), writing," UNITA President Adalberto Costa invited us to Angola. The government has denied us entry!"

Tundu Lissu criticized the decision, calling it unfair and a betrayal of African unity. He pointed out that Tanzania had supported Angola’s freedom struggle in the past, making the rejection even more disappointing.

"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,” the Tanzanian opposition leader stated.

Bobi Wine also expressed his frustration, saying that blocking opposition leaders from attending such events is harmful to democracy in Africa.

The decision to deny entry has sparked criticism both in Africa and internationally. Many see it as a step backward for political freedom and open discussions.