The Romanian government has urgently recalled its Ambassador to Kenya Dragos Tigau back to Bucharest after the official insinuated Africans are monkeys at a meeting between African diplomats and Eastern European nations in Nairobi on Friday 9th June 2023.
Dragos Viorel Tigau touched off a controversy when he said “the African group has joined us” after a black monkey appeared at the window of the conference room ahead of the meeting on April 26.
The African diplomats were not yet present when Tigau made the comment, and people in attendance found it to be insensitive and disrespectful.
Kenyan diplomat Ambassador Macharia Kamau said on Twitter that the episode “appalled and disgusted” him.
According to the Romanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. Bogdan Aurescu, their Kenyan envoy was recalled to start the necessary procedures, including the determination of internal measures to be taken on him.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs deeply regrets this situation, apologizes to all those affected and strongly rejects and condemns any behavior and any attitude incompatible with mutual respect. Any racist behavior or comments are absolutely unacceptable.”
Tigau “presented his apology, including in writing,” the ministry added, saying that its statement was communicated to African ambassadors in Bucharest on June 9 at the headquarters of the Foreign Ministry.
