Romania’s ambassador to Kenya Dragos Viorel Tigau has been recalled following an alleged use of the term “monkey” during a meeting in Nairobi in April.
The Romanian Foreign Affairs Ministry expressed its regret for the comment and actions, adding that it has started the process of recalling the representative.
“The Minister of Foreign Affairs decided that the Romanian Ambassador to Kenya return urgently to Romania, and the MFA’s internal Control and Diplomatic Evaluation Unit scan at once the necessary procedures including the establishing of internal necessary measures to be taken in the given situation,” the ministry said.
The incident apparently occurred in late April at the UN offices in Gigiri, Nairobi, during meetings with a group of Eastern European diplomats. The ambassador is believed to have used the monkey slur in reference to the African group.
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The racially insensitive and disrespectful comment has outraged the diplomatic community and led to demands for immediate action and accountability.
On June 10, the Romanian MFA reported that the ambassador had since apologized in writing.
“Any behaviors or comments of a racist nature are completely unacceptable. Such behaviors and attitudes do not reflect, in any way, the institutional and human values that underpin the diplomatic action of the Romanian MFA,” said the ministry.
“We deeply regret this situation, convey our apologies to all those affected, and strongly reject and condemn all behaviors and attitudes incompatible with mutual respect.”
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The African envoys expressed their dissatisfaction and annoyance at the ‘laxity’ in handling the situation, claiming that it has damaged the standing of diplomatic contacts.
They further upped their stance, arguing that given the seriousness of the offense, a private apology is inadequate and that a public written apology is required.
They emphasized how important it was for the ambassador to openly apologize for the hurt he had caused and show that he truly regrets his behavior.
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