Mudavadi condemns DRC Embassy attack, says Kenya will be compensated

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has committed to compensating Kenya for damages incurred to its embassy in Kinshasa after locals attacked and looted it on Tuesday, as M23 rebels continue to close in on the capital.

In a statement on Tuesday, Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Affairs CS Musalia Mudavadi condemned the brazen attack, highlighting that he had reached out to his counterpart in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in DRC to discuss possible solutions.

“Kenya is deeply concerned by the attacks on our Embassy offices personnel in Kinshasa, DRC by a riotous mob protesting the violent conflict in Eastern DRC. The 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,” said Mudavadi.

“In a quick response, 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.”  

Mudavadi says that he made it clear to Wagner that such actions are a direct violation of international agreements, and that the DRC authorities must ensure the protection of diplomatic personnel in accordance with international law, particularly the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.

The Convention requires host states to take all appropriate steps to protect the mission’s premises from intrusion or damage, prevent disturbances to its peace or dignity and ensure the safety, freedom and dignity of diplomatic staff by preventing any attacks on them.

“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 or diplomatic agent are inviolable,” said Mudavadi.

“These 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 the Kenyan government for the damages on the embassy.”

Mudavadi added: “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.”