Protesters Attack Kenyan Embassy In DRC

The Kenyan government has confirmed that the country's embassy in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has been attacked. 

Ministry of Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary (PS) Dr. Korir Sing'Oei confirmed the attack amidst escalating tensions in the DRC. Other embassies targeted include those of Uganda and South Africa.

Sing'oei blamed protesters for the attack, stating that they were voicing their dissatisfaction with the conflict in the Eastern part of DRC.

"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," he wrote on X.

Kenyan and Congolese soldiers stand at Goma airport, Democratic Republic of Congo on December 3, 2023. /VOA NEWS

He condemned the attacks, describing them as a serious breach of international law and urged authorities in the DRC to take swift and appropriate action to restore order and ensure the safety of diplomatic missions.

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

"This development is a serious breach of international law and we condemn it in the strongest terms possible. 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. We implore Kenyan citizens and business people to exercise caution during this period."

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

The situation in Eastern DRC has caused a severe humanitarian crisis, with military actions displacing more than a million people. The M23 rebel group announced on Monday that it had seized control of the strategic city of Goma in eastern DRC.

Residents shared distressing footage of M23 rebels patrolling the city’s streets after a swift advance against the Congolese army, which led to tens of thousands fleeing neighbouring towns.

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.

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

Owing to the volatile security situation, Jambojet, a subsidiary of the national airline, Kenya Airways, announced the suspension of flights from Nairobi to Goma in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).