Synopsis
Uganda has condemned an attack on its embassy in Kinshasa by rioters during mass protests. The embassy suffered looting and damage, prompting strong disapproval from officials. The incident raises concerns about diplomatic safety and international relations.Key Takeaways
- Uganda condemns embassy attack in Kinshasa.
- Rioters caused significant damage, including looting.
- Violation of Vienna Convention highlighted by officials.
- DRC government assured security measures are in place.
- Ugandan Ministry of Foreign Affairs exploring emergency services.
Kampala, Jan 29 (NationPress) Uganda has vehemently denounced the assault on its embassy located in Kinshasa, the capital city of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), instigated by rioters during widespread protests.
John Mulimba, who serves as Uganda's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs responsible for regional cooperation, informed parliament that rioters had vandalized and set fire to embassy property, compelling staff to seek refuge.
"This act represents a breach of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (1961), and we express our strongest disapproval," Mulimba stated to lawmakers during a session.
He further mentioned that the DRC government had provided assurances to Uganda on Tuesday evening, confirming that necessary security protocols had been implemented and that the situation in Kinshasa was being managed.
Additionally, he noted that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is evaluating feasible options to offer consular or emergency assistance to Ugandan citizens in the DRC, according to reports from Xinhua news agency.
Violent protests, directed at foreign embassies in reaction to the turmoil in Goma, the capital of the DRC’s eastern North Kivu province, and the perceived lack of action by the international community, erupted in Kinshasa on Tuesday.
Demonstrators were observed blocking major roads, hindering traffic, obstructing business operations, setting tires ablaze, and vocally protesting in front of embassies including those of the United States and multiple other nations, as well as the headquarters of the United Nations peacekeeping mission.
