Yves Sakila's body returns to Ireland after failed repatriation to DRC

The body of Yves Sakila, who died after an incident outside Dublin's Arnotts in May 2026, was returned to Ireland after an attempted repatriation to his home country, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, broke down. The remains had been flown from Dublin to Istanbul, where Congolese authorities reportedly refused to approve the final transfer, prompting Turkish Airlines to bring the body back to Dublin Airport on the morning of July 31, 2026.

Lassane Ouedraogo, head of the Dublin‑based Africa Centre Ireland, confirmed the arrival and said the family and officials were in shock. The DRC ambassador to Ireland, Ndolamb Ngokwey, said the matter remained under discussion between the governments of Kinshasa and Dublin, emphasizing procedural concerns. The destination for the body in Ireland remains unknown while further diplomatic talks continue.