Kenya has denounced the attack and looting of its embassy in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), by protesters demonstrating against the ongoing conflict in eastern DRC. The government described the incident as a violation of international law and has called for urgent action from Congolese authorities.
In a statement issued on January 28, Kenya’s Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Dr. Musalia Mudavadi, expressed concern over the safety of diplomatic personnel.
“Kenya is deeply concerned by the attacks on our Embassy offices and personnel in Kinshasa by a riotous mob,” he said. “These unwarranted attacks, looting, and destruction of property have also been directed at the Uganda embassy, with plans by demonstrators to storm other embassies.”
The Kenyan government has engaged DRC’s Foreign Minister, Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, who assured that measures were being taken to restore order. However, Kenya has raised concerns that two of its embassy staff were forced to flee, highlighting a breach of international obligations under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.
“The violent attacks, looting, and destruction of property are a grave violation of international law,” the statement read. “These unfortunate attacks happened in the full glare of DRC security officers who took no action to mitigate the situation.”
Minister Wagner has reportedly committed to assessing and compensating Kenya for damages sustained at its diplomatic mission. The Kenyan government has urged its citizens in DRC to exercise extreme caution, reaffirming its commitment to working with regional partners to de-escalate tensions.
“We beseech our citizens to exercise extreme caution as the Kenya government reassures you of emergency response measures to ensure the safety and welfare of Kenyans in conflict areas,” Mudavadi said.
