Romania recalled its ambassador to Kenya, Dragos Tigau, for his remarks that likened Africans to monkeys at the United Nations office in Nairobi.
In a notice dated June 10, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Romania apologised for Tigau’s remarks noting that as soon as the country learnt of the incident, he was recalled immediately.
The country’s Internal Control and Diplomatic Evaluation Unit also began the necessary procedures including the establishment of internal measures to further investigate the matter.
“The Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs mentions that regrettably, and contrary to the institution’s rules, including those of the conduct and ethics, the Romanian Ambassador to Kenya did not inform the MFA headquarters about the incident that took place at the end of April 2023.
“Romanian ambassador to Kenya should return to Romania as soon as possible, and the MFA's internal Control and Diplomatic Evaluation Unit should immediately scan the necessary procedures, including the establishment of internal necessary measures to be taken in the given situation,” the letter read in part.
Ambassador Dragos Tigau made the reference during discussions between Eastern European and African diplomats in Gigiri, where he used the monkey slur to refer to the African group.
“We deeply regret this situation and offer our apologies to all those who have been affected, any behaviours or comments of a racist nature are completely unacceptable. We hope it will not affect ties with African countries" added the letter.
Additionally, the former Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Macharia Kamau expressed his disappointment in the remarks stating that the actions by the Romanian leader were regrettable.
“Appalled and disgusted at learning of remarks by Romanian Ambassador in Nairobi in reference to African group members as ‘monkeys’ during Eastern European group meeting. Utter shame on attempts to cover up this disgrace. This is intolerable and unacceptable!” Kamau stated.
Following the events, the African diplomats expressed their disappointment demanding a public apology because of how grave the matter was. They noted that a private apology did not suffice.
They stated that a public apology was the only way the envoy would demonstrate genuine remorse for his objectionable actions.
The Kenyan Ministry of Foreign Affairs was yet to address the matter.
