DRC Foreign Minister in Ireland to Discuss Yves Sakila Death, Ebola
DRC Foreign Minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner is in Ireland to discuss the May 15 death of Yves Sakila, a Congolese man who died after being restrained. She will meet Irish officials and the Sakila family, welcoming Ireland's investigation. Discussions also include Ebola response and bilateral cooperation.
The Democratic Republic of Congo's Foreign Minister, Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, arrived in Dublin from France to discuss the death of Congolese man Yves Sakila. Sakila died on May 15 after being restrained by security guards following a shoplifting incident on Henry Street.
Minister Wagner met with President Catherine Connolly and is scheduled to meet with Minister for Foreign Affairs Helen McEntee and Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan. She will also meet the Sakila family. The DRC government welcomes Ireland's investigation and will monitor its progress, maintaining dialogue with the Irish government.
Discussions will also cover the DRC's Ebola response and strengthening cooperation with Ireland. The Irish Department of Foreign Affairs expects talks to include Ebola efforts and the conflict in Eastern DRC, relevant to Ireland's upcoming EU Presidency.
The DRC Ministry of Foreign Affairs previously stated it is ensuring an independent investigation into Sakila's death, following the case with deep concern and taking diplomatic steps to establish facts and ensure a transparent inquiry. It appealed for calm pending official conclusions.