The airline alleges that Congolese military intelligence detained the employees on April 19th for supposedly failing to complete customs paperwork for valuable cargo. However, Kenya Airways maintains that they never even accepted the cargo because the logistics company was still finalizing the documentation.
Despite a court order on April 25th for their release, the airline claims the staff remain in custody. They have only been granted limited access to Kenyan embassy personnel.
Kenya Denounces Arrests, Vows to Protect Citizens
Kenyan government officials have strongly condemned the arrests. Korir Sing’oei, a senior official in the Kenyan foreign affairs ministry, emphasized their commitment to protecting Kenyan citizens abroad. He denounced the detentions on social media, stating that the employees were simply conducting legitimate business activities.
DR Congo Yet to Respond
The Democratic Republic of Congo has not yet officially commented on the situation. Their government spokesperson, Patrick Muyaya, promised a response at a later date.
Uncertainties Cloud the Situation
The nature of the valuable cargo and the specific details of the alleged customs violations remain unclear. This lack of transparency adds to the controversy surrounding the detentions.
Potential Impact on Relations
This incident has the potential to strain diplomatic relations between Kenya and the DRC. Both nations have historically enjoyed cordial ties, with Kenya even contributing to UN peacekeeping missions in the DRC.
Resolution Sought
Kenya Airways and the Kenyan government are urging the Congolese authorities to swiftly resolve the situation and release their detained staff. It remains to be seen if a diplomatic solution can be reached or if this incident will escalate further.
