DR Congo Foreign Minister Meets Irish President Over Man's Death

The Democratic Republic of Congo's Foreign Minister, Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, has traveled to Ireland to address the death of Yves Sakila, a Congolese man who died on May 15 following an incident involving security guards after a shoplifting event in Dublin.

Minister Wagner met with Irish President Catherine Connolly and is scheduled to meet with the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Helen McEntee, and the Minister for Justice, Jim O'Callaghan. She also plans to meet with the Sakila family. In a statement, Minister Wagner conveyed the DRC government's solidarity with the Congolese community and welcomed the Irish authorities' commitment to a full investigation.

"The government of the DRC stands with the Congolese community in Ireland and abroad in mourning the tragic death of Yves Sakila in Dublin on 15 May," the minister stated. "We welcome the ongoing efforts by the Irish authorities to establish the facts through a full investigation, and will remain attentive to the progress of the process while maintaining close dialogue with the Irish government."

The minister's visit also includes discussions on the DRC's response to the Ebola outbreak and strengthening bilateral cooperation. The Irish Department of Foreign Affairs anticipates discussions on halting Ebola's spread and the conflict in Eastern DRC, particularly given Ireland's upcoming EU Presidency.

The DRC's Ministry for Foreign Affairs previously stated it has taken steps to ensure an independent investigation into Sakila's death, monitoring the case closely through its embassy. The ministry emphasized its commitment to protecting citizens abroad and upholding human rights and justice, appealing for calm to allow investigations to proceed.

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The government of the DRC stands with the Congolese community in Ireland and abroad in mourning the tragic death of Yves Sakila in Dublin on 15 May. We welcome the ongoing efforts by the Irish authorities to establish the facts through a full investigation, and will remain attentive to the progress of the process while maintaining close dialogue with the Irish government.