The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has opposed President William Ruto’s nomination of Judy Kiaria Nkumiri as Kenya’s new Consul General to Goma, insisting that the move violates established diplomatic procedures.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Saturday, the Congolese Ministry of Foreign Affairs stressed that the appointment of any foreign consular chief on its territory must first receive approval from Kinshasa. “The DRC recalls that the appointment of any head of a foreign consular post on its territory is subject to its prior approval and the issuance of the exequatur by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kinshasa,” the ministry said.
The objection also extended to Ruto’s nomination of Moni Manyange as Kenya’s Deputy Head of Mission to DRC in Kinshasa. Kinshasa described the announcement as “inappropriate,” particularly in relation to Goma, which remains under what it termed as the “illegal occupation” of the M23 rebel group.
The Congolese government underscored that the eastern city is experiencing severe instability marked by human rights abuses against civilians, as documented in recent United Nations reports. In that context, the ministry argued, any unilateral announcement of a consul to Goma risks being seen as legitimizing the occupation.
“In this context, any announcement concerning the appointment of a consul in Goma is particularly inappropriate and cannot be considered valid without the consent of the Congolese authorities,” the statement read, urging Nairobi to exercise caution in its public communications.
The DRC further warned that should Kenya proceed without consultation, it could trigger diplomatic friction between the two countries at a time when both play central roles in regional peace and security initiatives.
In response, Kenya’s Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei termed the Congolese reaction “premature.” He clarified that Kenya traditionally seeks host-country approval after its nominees are cleared by Parliament. “As per diplomatic practice, once the presidential nominee receives parliamentary approval, Kenya shall seek an agrément or consent of the Democratic Republic of Congo before the Consul General reports to post,” he said.
The disagreement highlights delicate ties between Nairobi and Kinshasa, with both sides pledging commitment to constructive relations despite the current standoff.
