Criticism grows over Angola’s deportation of visiting political leaders.

An Angolan journalist says the denial of entry into Angola and the detention and deportation Thursday of some leaders and representatives of political parties across southern Africa is an embarrassment to the country. The officials had gone to Angola to participate in discussions at the Platform for African Democrats Forum. There has been no comment from the government. Angolan President Joao Lourenco is the current chairperson of the African Union for 2025. Luanda is also spearheading peace talks between the Democratic Republic of Congo government and the M23 rebels. Veteran Angolan independent journalist Mario Paiva tells VOA’s James Butty, the Angolan government needs to provide an explanation.