Romania recalls ambassador who allegedly compared monkey to African diplomats
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Loading... - Diaz Mario
- 13 Jun 2023
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The United Nations' Africa group has declared its refusal to collaborate with the Romanian ambassador to Kenya in specific forums following allegations that he compared them to a monkey during a meeting in Nairobi.
Additionally, the group has demanded an unequivocal and public apology to the African people.
Dragos Viorel Tigau, the Romanian ambassador, was recalled by the Romanian foreign ministry over the weekend after receiving complaints about an incident that occurred on April 26th. During a meeting at the UN building in Kenya's capital, a monkey appeared at the window of the conference room, to which Tigau allegedly remarked, "The African group has joined us," according to a note from the South Sudanese embassy in Kenya.
The Romanian foreign ministry stated that it was only informed of the incident this week and has initiated the process of recalling its ambassador. It expressed deep regret for the situation and offered apologies to all those affected, asserting that racist behavior or comments are completely unacceptable.
Chol Ajongo, the ambassador of South Sudan to Kenya and acting dean of the Africa group, expressed his anger, shock, and disgust in a letter dated May 31st to the director general of the United Nations Office. He denounced the ambassador's derogatory and utterly unacceptable remarks and demanded a clear public apology. Furthermore, he warned that unless the ambassador issued the necessary apology, the Africa group would boycott any event attended by Tigau. The letter stated that the Africa group was unwilling to participate in the same spaces as the ambassador when it comes to matters of environmental protection and UN habitat.
Ajongo revealed that the meeting had been organized by Tigau for the regional group of Eastern European states. One of the delegates reprimanded Tigau at the time of the alleged remark and demanded a retraction and apology.
Ajongo highlighted that UN regulations mandate staff to uphold acceptable standards, including non-discrimination and displaying respect for all cultures.
The ambassador's remarks blatantly disregarded the principles of human dignity and respect, failing to meet the expected standards of a diplomat, Ajongo concluded.
