Kenyan Embassy Premises and Personnel in DRC Attacked as Gov’t Calls for Action

The government has called for swift action after its embassy in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) was attacked by protesters in Kinshasa. 

In a statement on Tuesday, January 28, Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei condemned the attacks, describing them as a serious breach of international law. 

He noted that the demonstrators, angered by the ongoing conflict in eastern DRC, also targeted the Ugandan and South African embassies.

"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. This development is a serious breach of international law and we condemn it in the strongest terms possible," he said.

Sing'Oei urged authorities in the DRC to take swift and appropriate action to restore order and ensure the safety of diplomatic missions.

"We call on authorities in DRC to take appropriate action. Kenya stands with the DRC during this challenging time and will use all diplomatic means within its disposal to work with the rest of the region in the search for peace," he added.  

Sing'Oei also issued a warning to Kenyan citizens and businesspeople in the DRC, advising them to remain cautious amid the unrest.  

"We implore Kenyan citizens and business people to exercise caution during this period," he concluded.

On Monday, January 27, protests erupted in Kinshasa as citizens voiced their anger over the escalating conflict in the eastern regions.

The unrest in Kinshasa was sparked by the M23 rebels' recent offensive in the eastern city of Goma. 

The rebels have intensified their activities, with reports of heavy gunfire and explosions forcing thousands to flee.

President William Ruto is among East African leaders who have called for an immediate cessation of hostilities and renewed efforts for peace in Eastern DRC.

Speaking from State House Nairobi on Monday, January 27, Ruto who also serves as Chair of the East African Community (EAC) emphasized the urgent need for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

"I emphasize the obligation of all parties to facilitate humanitarian access to affected populations and urge both sides to pursue peaceful means to resolve this tragic conflict. These alarming developments, coupled with rising diplomatic tensions in the region, underscore the urgent need for a peaceful resolution to a conflict that continues to inflict untold suffering on the people, particularly women and children," he said.

Ruto also announced plans for an extraordinary EAC Summit to deliberate on the conflict and chart a path forward. 

He noted that both President Felix Tshisekedi of DRC and his Rwandan counterpart Paul Kagame will participate in the summit set for Wednesday, January 29.

"Consequently, and having consulted with the Heads of State of the region, on this dire situation, we will be convening an extraordinary EAC Summit within the next 48 hours to deliberate on this crisis and chart a way forward. This is in line with the EAC Summit’s decision of November 2024, which called for constructive engagement to address the conflict. I thank both President Tshisekedi and President Kagame for their confirmed participation in this summit," he stated.