2 Kenyans Had To Escape: Mudavadi On Embassy Attack In DRC
He had reached out to his counterpart in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in DRC to discuss possible solutions.
Marvin Chege 
Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Affairs CS Musalia Mudavadi revealed on Tuesday, January 28 that two members of staff at the Kenyan Embassy in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) had to escape after the premises was attacked by protesters.
In a statement, Mudavadi disclosed that they had to seek refuge in another location, even though it was expected that their safety and that of their families would be assured by DRC authorities. He had reached out to his counterpart in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in DRC to discuss possible solutions.
"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," Mudavadi stated in part.
"In a quick response, the Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs has reached out to his counterpart in DRC, 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."
Protests in the Democratic Republic of Congo. /AL JAZEERA
The Prime CS though noted that Kenya expressed deep concern about the attacks on the Embassy offices and personnel in Kinshasa, DRC by a riotous mob protesting the violent conflict in Eastern DRC, adding that the unwarranted attacks, looting, and destruction of property had also been directed at the Uganda embassy. He added that there were plans by demonstrators to storm and attack the South African, USA, and Belgian Embassies.
"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. These unfortunate attacks happened in the full glare of DRC security officers who took no action to mitigate the situation," added the statement.
Mudavadi went on to announce that in response, the DRC Foreign Minister committed to assess and compensate the Kenyan government for the damages to the embassy. He added 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.
"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," he added.
"The Republic of 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."
For a better part of Sunday and Monday, Goma, which is the largest city in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), was subjected to heavy gunfire as Rwanda-backed M23 rebels took on central authorities in the region. According to the United Nations (UN), the escalating conflict between the rebel groups and the government has led to the displacement of more than 400,000 people, further fuelling a fresh spate of protests.
The devastating conflict has since spewed to the Rwandan border, affecting civilian activities including schooling and businesses in Rubavu, which borders DRC. A ripple effect of the conflict has been protests in Kinshasa, with citizens voicing their anger about the volatile state of the country, with the Kenyan Embassy in the capital being one of the casualties.
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, Ruto who also serves as Chair of the East African Community (EAC) emphasized the urgent need for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
