By Dorothy Musyoka
Prime Cabinet Secretary for and Cabinet SecretaryForeign and Diaspora affairs Musalia Mudavadi, has strongly condemned the attacks of Kenya’s embassy and personnel in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The riots, reportedly sparked by protests over the conflict in Eastern DRC, escalated into looting, destruction of property, and threats to the safety of embassy staff.
Similar attacks targeted Uganda’s Embassy, with planned assaults on the South African, U.S., and Belgian Embassies also reported. In a deeply troubling turn, the attacks occurred in the presence of security forces, who failed to intervene. Two Kenyan embassy staff members were forced to flee for their safety.
“I strongly condemn the attacks on Kenya’s Embassy and personnel in Kinshasa by rioters protesting the conflict in Eastern DRC. The violence, looting, and destruction also targeted Uganda’s Embassy, with planned assaults on the South African, U.S., and Belgian Embassies,” Mudavadi stated.
In response to the incident, the PCS engaged the DRC Minister of Foreign Affairs, who acknowledged the attacks and pledged immediate action, including compensating the Kenyan government for damages sustained at its diplomatic mission.
Kenya emphasized the DRC’s obligations under international law, particularly the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, which mandates the protection of diplomatic missions and personnel in host countries.
“It is deeply concerning that these attacks occurred in the presence of security forces without intervention. Two Kenyan staff members were forced to flee for safety, despite the DRC’s obligation under international law, including the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, to protect diplomatic missions and personnel,” lamented the PCS.
However, Kenya has demanded that the DRC take swift and decisive action to restore order, ensure the safety of the Kenyan Embassy and its personnel, and prevent a recurrence of such incidents.