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President William Ruto’s nomination of Judy Kiara Nkumiri as Consul General at the DRC consulate has sparked a diplomatic spat with the Congolese administration.
In a statement dated Saturday, August 16, 2025, the DRC government said it was not consulted on the matter.
The DRC government argues that the decision made by the Kenyan government is against the Vienna Conention on Consular Relations.
“The DRC recalls that, in accordance with international law and established diplomatic procedures, notably the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations of 24 April 1963, the appointment of a head of a consular post requires the prior agreement of the Congolese authorities and the issuance of an exequatur by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Additionally, the DRC government informed the Kenyan government that it expects to be officially notified by Nairobi about the appointment of the Consul General, after which it will issue a formal response.
“Kinshasa expects, therefore, to be officially notified by Nairobi through established diplomatic channels and will respond exclusively via the same channels, in accordance with rules of courtesy and mutual respect,” the DRC government added.
DRC Says It Was Not Consulted on President Ruto’s Decision
Furthermore, the DRC government noted that Goma, in the mineral-rich North Kivu Province, remains under the illegal occupation of M23 rebels backed by Rwanda.
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It said the conflict has led to serious human rights violations, making any announcement of a consul in Goma inappropriate without its consent.
“The DRC therefore calls for caution and discernment in public communication to avoid any misunderstanding, speculation, or appearance of legitimizing the ongoing illegal occupation,” said the Congolese government.
Mudavadi Holds Talks with DRC Government
Moreover, the Congolese government stressed the importance of mutual respect in diplomatic engagements and reiterated its position on sovereignty.
“Based on mutual respect and adherence to established international law, the Democratic Republic of the Congo reaffirms its sovereignty and remains committed to constructive bilateral relations with the Republic of Kenya, as well as to regional cooperation within the East African Community,” stated the DRC government.
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The DRC government, through its State Minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, has so far confirmed that it held talks on Saturday, August 16, 2025, with Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign Affairs Musalia Mudavadi on the state of bilateral relations and the need to strengthen them.
She reiterated the DRC’s position regarding the proposal of a Consul in Goma, emphasizing the need to respect established diplomatic procedures.
The DRC’s response to President William Ruto’s nominee for Consul General comes just a day after he appointed Judy Kiara Nkumiri during a foreign service reshuffle on Friday, August 15, 2025.
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