Romanian ambassador to Kenya recalled after racism scandal
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAE) has initiated the recall procedure of Romania's ambassador to Kenya, Dragoș Viorel Țigău, after the diplomat made racist remarks in April during a meeting at the United Nations.
The ministry said that it learned about the incident on the evening of June 8. It all started when, during discussions with a group of diplomats from Eastern Europe, the Romanian ambassador allegedly said “the African group has joined us” after noticing a black monkey nearby, according to KenyanForeignPolicy.com.
The Romanian minister of foreign affairs, Bogdan Aurescu, ordered the ambassador to the Republic of Kenya to urgently return to Romania. MAE immediately initiated the necessary procedures for his recall, including determining the internal measures required in the given situation, according to official sources cited by HotNews.
MAE did not disclose how it learned about the incident, considering that fact that Dragoș Viorel Țigău did not inform the ministry about the incident in which he was involved, as required by regulations.
"Regrettably and contrary to the rules of the institution, including those of conduct and ethics, the Romanian ambassador to the Republic of Kenya did not inform the MAE Headquarters, prior to the date of June 8, in accordance with the procedures and practices in force, about the incident in question, which took place at the end of April 2023," MAE said.
The Romanian ambassador to the Republic of Kenya subsequently apologized for the incident, including in writing.
"MAE expresses its hope that this isolated episode will not affect the deep nature of the relationship between Romania and the countries of the African continent, especially in the context where Romanian diplomacy makes the development of relations with Africa, based on mutual respect and partnership, an important priority of its action," the ministry further stated.
(Photo source: Dragos Tigau on Facebook)
