A derogatory comment at a diplomatic meeting: the circumstances of the incident
Romania recalls its ambassador to Kenya after he made an unacceptable derogatory comment during a meeting. The Africa Group at the United Nations says it will never again work with the Romanian ambassador to Kenya after he compared the group’s African members to monkeys during a meeting. The African group demands a public and formal apology from the ambassador.
Dragos Viorel Tigao, the Romanian ambassador, has been recalled by the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs following complaints about a meeting at the UN building in the Kenyan capital. During the meeting, a monkey appeared in the conference room window, prompting the Romanian ambassador to make an offensive remark.
Reactions and diplomatic repercussions
The Romanian ambassador’s behavior was strongly criticized. Despite the presence of many African diplomats at the meeting, only the South Sudanese ambassador wrote a note of protest, calling the Romanian ambassador to order in the face of this unacceptable act. The Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs claims not to have been informed of the incident, but this statement raises doubts as to its veracity.
In addition, the passive reaction of other African diplomats present at the meeting raises questions about the general behavior of Africans in the face of racist comments. This passivity leads to a loss of respect and a degraded image of Africa on the international stage. The mistreatment of Africans in other countries is another example of this reality.
Read more: Africa: Standing up against stereotypes and prejudice
South Sudanese ambassador demands apology
To this end, the South Sudanese ambassador to Kenya wrote a letter to the Director General of the United Nations Office expressing his anger and disgust at the Romanian ambassador’s derogatory and unacceptable comments. He also demanded a personal and public apology from the Romanian ambassador. Should this apology not be forthcoming, the Africa group would withdraw from any event in which the Romanian ambassador took part, particularly on issues relating to environmental protection and the UN habitat.
Romania reacts
The Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs eventually stated that it had not been informed of the incident, raising questions about its credibility. So he apologized? However, the Ministry’s statement apologizing and condemning the racist behavior of its ambassador raises questions about the sincerity of this apology. Are they sincerely sorry, or are they just sorry to have exposed what they really think of Africans?
The need to preserve our image on the international stage
It’s important to question how Africans behave in general, and how this can influence the way they are treated in other countries. Our hospitality, kindness and tolerance seem to make us despised and mistreated, a laughing stock on the international stage ever since colonization.
The controversy surrounding the recall of the Romanian ambassador to Kenya highlights the challenges Africa faces in terms of respect and dignity in diplomatic relations. Passive reactions to racist comments and the importance of challenging such behavior are highlighted. It also raises questions about the sincerity of the apology and how Africans can improve their image on the international stage.
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