Kenya Airways Employees Detained in Congo

Summary:

• Kenya Airways employees detained in Congo amid cargo dispute, diplomatic concerns escalate. EAC conducts feasibility study for regional expressway upgrade.

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At N’Djili International Airport in Kinshasa, officers from the military intelligence unit apprehended two Kenya Airways (KQ) employees, a move that sparked concerns over their treatment and legal rights. According to Allan Kilavuka, CEO of Kenya Airways, the employees were arrested, their phones confiscated, and the company was denied access to them.

Despite efforts by the Kenyan embassy and KQ representatives to visit the detainees on April 23, their access was limited to mere minutes. The arrest reportedly stemmed from the absence of Customs documents for valuable cargo intended for a KQ flight on April 12, 2024. However, Kenya Airways clarified that the cargo was never accepted due to incomplete documentation.

Seeking the employees’ release, Kenya Airways applied to the military court on April 24, emphasizing the necessity of due process. The court, convening on April 25, granted KQ’s request, yet reports suggest the military intelligence unit continues to detain them against court orders.

The situation came to public attention on April 16, when a journalist, purportedly connected to intelligence circles, discussed it on a Kinshasa program. Allegations swirled regarding the cargo’s contents, with claims of an attempt to export a substantial amount of money.

Despite the gravity of the situation, Congolese officials have remained silent, leaving the matter in the hands of intelligence services. Meanwhile, investigations are said to be underway.

A commercial bank, implicated in the saga, refuted allegations of wrongdoing, stating that the operation involved exporting foreign currency banknotes, a standard practice duly documented for shipment to the US Federal Reserve in New York.

As the detention of the two Kenyans stretches beyond a week, Kenya perceives it as a violation of human rights and diplomatic norms, eliciting concerns from both governmental and regional bodies. The East African Community (EAC) has embarked on a feasibility study, in partnership with external firms, to upgrade regional infrastructure, including expressways linking Kenya and Uganda. This endeavor aims to enhance transport services, fostering regional integration and economic cooperation among EAC member states.

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