Headlined in today’s edition of “Fatshimétrie”: the Minister of Justice and Keeper of the Seals, Constant Mutamba Tungunga, took a radical decision by suspending the Attorney General at the Kinshasa/Gombe Court of Appeal following a major incident involving a controversial expulsion of a French diplomat from a residence belonging to the French Embassy.
This event, which occurred on Friday, August 23, 2024, highlighted a complex land dispute that led to an intervention by Congolese authorities in the premises of the French Embassy in Kinshasa. The forceful expulsion of the French diplomat, accompanied by attacks on other members of the diplomatic staff, sparked outrage and raised questions about compliance with international standards and diplomatic conventions, including the Vienna Convention.
In response to this incident, the Minister of Justice took firm action, announcing that all those responsible for this illegal expulsion would be held accountable and subject to the full force of the law. This decision demonstrates a strong desire to deliver justice and reaffirm the Congolese government’s commitment to respecting international rules and the rights of foreign diplomatic representatives on its territory.
The French Embassy in the DRC responded quickly to this incident by meeting with the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of the DRC to find solutions and avoid such incidents in the future. This meeting helped ease tensions and reaffirm the importance of dialogue and cooperation between the two countries.
In a context where diplomacy and international relations are of paramount importance, this incident highlights the challenges faced by States in managing diplomatic affairs and the need to strengthen mutual understanding and respect for established rules.
In conclusion, the expulsion of the French diplomat in Kinshasa raises crucial questions about respect for international law and the protection of foreign representatives in post. It is now up to the Congolese authorities to learn the lessons of this incident and take the necessary measures to ensure respect for diplomatic standards and the rights of foreign representations on its territory.