Nairobi, Kenya — The Republic of Kenya has expressed deep concern over the violent attacks on its embassy offices and personnel in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), as protests against the ongoing conflict in Eastern DRC erupted. The mob attacks, which included looting and destruction of property, also targeted the Uganda embassy, with demonstrators reportedly planning to storm the South African, US, and Belgian embassies.
In a swift diplomatic response, Kenya’s Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs reached out to DRC’s Foreign Minister, Hon. Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, who confirmed the attacks and reassured that urgent steps were being taken to restore order.
“The safety and security of our diplomatic staff and their families is paramount. These attacks were in direct violation of international law, and the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations,” said Kenya’s Foreign Affairs officials.
Two Kenyan staff members had to flee the embassy and seek refuge elsewhere, highlighting concerns over their safety, despite international laws guaranteeing protection for diplomats under the Vienna Convention. The Convention’s Articles 22 (2) and 29 ensure the inviolability of diplomatic premises and personnel, emphasizing the host state’s responsibility to protect these entities from harm.
Despite the attacks taking place in full view of DRC security personnel, who did not intervene, Kenya’s Foreign Ministry has called on DRC authorities to uphold their duty to safeguard diplomatic missions and prevent future incidents.
Minister Kayikwamba Wagner has committed to assessing the damages caused by the attacks and compensating Kenya for the destruction of its embassy property. She reassured Kenya of the DRC’s continued commitment to international law and diplomatic protocols.
“The DRC government has taken immediate emergency measures to guarantee the safety of Kenyan diplomatic staff and their families. We are committed to maintaining our strong partnership with Kenya and the international community in seeking peaceful solutions to the ongoing conflict in the region,” said Minister Wagner.
As the situation remains tense, the Kenyan government has urged its citizens in conflict areas to exercise extreme caution. Kenya also reaffirmed its commitment to working with regional and international partners to secure peace in the DRC.
The attack has raised concerns over the security of diplomatic missions in volatile regions, calling attention to the critical importance of international law in protecting foreign embassies and their staff from violence and unlawful actions.
Kenya remains committed to its diplomatic role and is closely monitoring the situation as it continues to engage with DRC officials to ensure the safety and security of all its citizens abroad.
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