Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary (CS) Musalia Mudavadi has condemned the attacks on the embassies and personnel in Kinshasa.
In a statement, the Prime CS stated that the rioters protesting attacked the Kenyan and Uganda embassies with planned assaults on the South African, US and Belgian Embassies.
He, however, confirmed that he engaged DRC’s Foreign Minister who while acknowledging the incident, promised that the conflict-stricken country will pay for the damages caused by the M23 rebels.
“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.
“In response, I engaged DRC’s Foreign Minister, @RDCongoMAE. She acknowledged the incident and assured swift action, including compensation for damages to the embassy,” the CS said.
The CS also stated that he had reached out to his DRC counterpart Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner who assured that urgent measures were being taken to address the situation and reestablish order.
“The Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs has reached out to his counterpart in DR Minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, who has confirmed the unfortunate incident and assured that urgent measures were being taken to address the situation and reestablish order.
“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. We expect immediate steps to ensure the security of our embassy and its staff,” the CS continued.
Adding;
“We acknowledge the assurances of the Foreign Minister of DRC, Hon. Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, that as our friendly partner country due to their commitment to international law, and including the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, the DRC government has taken an emergency response to address the situation and to ensure the security and safety of Kenyan staff and their families.”
PS Korir echoes Mudavadi
The latest comes after Foreign Affairs PS Korir Sing’oei urged Kenyans in DRC to be extra cautious during this period.
PS Korir condemned the attack and termed it a serious breach of international law.
“This development is a serious breach of international law and we condemn it in the strongest terms possible. We call on authorities in DRC to take appropriate action. We implore Kenyan citizens and business people to exercise caution during this period,” PS Korir said.
“We are deeply concerned by the ongoing siege and attacks on Embassy Premises and personnel in Kinshasa, DRC, including the Kenyan, Uganda and South African Embassies, by marauding protesters who are voicing their discontent on the conflict in the Eastern Part of that country.”
