Romania recalls its Kenya ambassador for referring Africans as “monkeys”

Romania has with immediate effect, recalled its ambassador to Kenya over a remark referring to African diplomats stationed in Nairobi as “monkeys.”

Dragos Viorel Tigau’s profane utterance was first brought to light by Kamau Macharia, Kenya’s principal secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a tweet.

The “monkey” statement was made by Tigau during a meeting of ambassadors.

Tigau, deployed to Kenya in December 2021, according to Romania’s foreign affairs minister has been recalled because “any behavior or comment of a racist nature are completely unacceptable.”

Romania said it deeply regretted the ambassador’s statement and hopes the diplomatic mistake will not soil the country’s relations with other African countries.

Romania also briefed African diplomats stationed in the country about the development in Kenya and the measures they had taken about Tigau.

Tigau has since apologised to African diplomats for his utterances and will face a full disciplinary hearing back home.