The Kenyan government has condemned attacks on its embassy in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), following violent protests linked to the ongoing conflict in eastern DRC.
In a statement on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei described the incident as a grave violation of international law and called for immediate action by DRC authorities.
“We are deeply concerned by the ongoing siege and attacks on Embassy Premises and personnel in Kinshasa, DRC, including the Kenyan, Ugandan, and South African embassies, by marauding protesters voicing their discontent over 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,” Sing’Oei stated.
Sing’Oei urged the DRC government to restore order and ensure the safety of all diplomatic missions in the country.
“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.
The Principal Secretary also advised Kenyan citizens and businesspeople in the DRC to exercise caution amid the unrest.
“We implore Kenyan citizens and businesspeople to remain vigilant during this period,” he said.
The protests in Kinshasa erupted on Monday, January 27, as demonstrators expressed anger over the escalating conflict in eastern DRC, particularly in Goma, where M23 rebels have launched renewed offensives. Reports of heavy gunfire and explosions have forced thousands of residents to flee the area.
The unrest has also increased tensions, with protesters targeting the embassies of Kenya, Uganda, and South Africa in Kinshasa.
President William Ruto, who also serves as the Chair of the East African Community (EAC), has called for an immediate cessation of hostilities in eastern DRC.
Speaking from State House, Nairobi, on Monday, January 27, Ruto emphasized the need for humanitarian access to affected populations and urged all parties involved to prioritize peaceful dialogue.
“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,” Ruto stated.
Extraordinary EAC Summit
To address the escalating crisis, Ruto announced plans for an extraordinary EAC Summit, scheduled for Wednesday, January 29. He confirmed that both DRC President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame would participate in the summit.
“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,” Ruto announced.
The summit is expected to bring together East African leaders to discuss measures to de-escalate the conflict and foster lasting peace in the region.
