The Kenyan Embassy in Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of Congo, came under attack by marauding protesters voicing their discontent on the conflict in the eastern part of the country.
Also attacked was the US and French embassies in Kinshasa.
Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Singoei expressed deep concern over the worsening violent crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo that has displaced thousands in the rebel-controlled Goma region.
Tutsi-led M23 ethnic militia claimed control of the lakeside city of Goma on Monday, worsening an already dire humanitarian crisis as thousands fled their homes for fear of being caught in the crossfire between the Rwandan-backed rebels and government-aligned forces.
President William Ruto on Monday called for an emergency East African Community Summit in Nairobi and appealed to President Paul Kagame and Felix Tshisekedi to reach a truce and end the conflict.
But come Tuesday, the crisis took on a new dimension as protesters attacked and firebombed several embassies in the capital Kinshasa, sparking diplomatic concern from Kenya’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
“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,” PS Korir Sing’oei said in a statement.
The PS said the development is a serious breach of international law.
“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 at its disposal to work with the rest of the region in the search for peace.
We implore Kenyan citizens and business people to exercise caution during this period,” he added.
Ruto, who chairs the EAC, called for immediate and unconditional cessation of hostilities and emphasised the obligation of all parties to facilitate humanitarian access to affected populations.
Ruto said he personally spoke to Kagame and asked them to heed the call for peace from regional leaders and the international community.
“After consulting the Heads of State of EAC Member States, we will convene an Extraordinary Summit in the next 48 hours to chart the way forward,” he said.
On Tuesday, Ruto met with UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed over the raging crisis in the DRC on the sidelines of the ongoing Mission 300 Africa Heads of State Energy Summit in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
“Mohammed expressed the UN’s support for the regional efforts by the East African Community Heads of State to end the hostilities in Eastern DRC, including a meeting scheduled for Wednesday,” Ruto said.
Prime Cabinet Secretary who is the Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi too said Kenya is deeply concerned by the attacks on the embassy offices and
personnel in Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) by a
riotous mob protesting the violent conflict in Eastern DRC.
“These unwarranted attacks, looting, and destruction of property have also been
directed at the Uganda embassy. There were plans by demonstrators to
storm, and attack the South African, USA, and Belgian Embassies,” he said.
He said he had reached out to his counterpart in DRC Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, who confirmed the unfortunate
incident and assured that urgent measures were being taken to address the
situation and reestablish order.
“We pointed out to the Foreign Minister of DRC that two of Kenya’s staff
members had to escape and seek refuge elsewhere, despite the expectation
that their safety and that of their families should be guaranteed by the DRC
authorities as obligated by international law and provided for by Vienna
Convention on Diplomatic Relations.”
“The violent attacks, looting, and destruction of property are a grave violation
of international law and the long-held principles and provisions of the Vienna
Convention on Diplomatic Relations, in particular, Article 22 (2) and Article 29
which respectively affirm that the premises of the mission and the person of a
diplomatic agent are inviolable,” he said.
He said the unfortunate attacks happened in the full glare of DRC security officers who took no action to mitigate the
situation.
“The DRC Foreign Minister has committed to assess and compensate Kenyan
government for the damages on embassy.
- Accordingly, the Convention identifies host states as being under a special
duty to take all appropriate steps to protect the premises of the mission
against any intrusion or damage and to prevent any disturbance of the peace
of the mission or impairment of its dignity.”
It obligates host states to take all appropriate steps to prevent any attack on the diplomatic staff, their freedom, or dignity.
Mudavadi said 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.
He said Kenya wishes to affirm its continued partnership and commitment to working with the region and international actors in finding peaceful solutions to the conflict.
“We beseech our citizens to exercise
extreme caution as the Kenya government reassures you of the emergency
response to cater for the safety and welfare of Kenyans in conflict areas.”
At least 27 people have been killed as heavy battles between M23 fighters backed by Rwanda and Congolese government forces continue to rock the eastern DRC.
The fighting has left many bodies on the streets, with hospitals struggling to deal with the growing number of casualties.
President Félix Tshisekedi held a meeting with key leaders in Kinshasa to discuss the crisis as M23 rebels faced pockets of resistance from the army and pro-government militias.
On January 27, 2025, Tshisekedi convened a meeting with national leaders in Kinshasa to address the worsening crisis in eastern DRC.
The M23 rebels, backed by Rwanda, have gained significant ground in Goma. Thousands of people have been forced to flee as the situation continues to deteriorate.
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