The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has issued a stern warning to Kenya, condemning President William Ruto’s decision to appoint a Consul General in Goma without consulting Kinshasa. Authorities in Kinshasa insist that any foreign consular representation on Congolese territory requires prior approval and an exequatur from the DRC Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
DRC’s Diplomatic Position
In a statement released on Saturday, August 16, 2025, the DRC government reminded Kenya that under the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations (1963), no foreign country can establish a consulate without the host nation’s consent.
The statement came after President Ruto appointed Ms. Judy Kiaria Nkumiri as Consul General for Goma, a move that Kinshasa described as “particularly inappropriate and unacceptable without Congolese approval.”
Foreign Minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner personally communicated the protest to Kenya’s Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Minister Musalia Mudavadi, stressing Kinshasa’s rejection of the move.
Rebel-Held Goma and M23 Conflict
Kinshasa underscored that the situation in Goma, North Kivu, complicates the matter further. The strategic city is currently under the illegal occupation of M23/AFC rebels, backed by Rwanda, according to both the United Nations Group of Experts and the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).
The DRC statement accused M23 rebels of committing serious human rights violations against civilians, including women and minors. Against this backdrop, Kinshasa argued that Kenya’s move risks legitimizing rebel control:
“Any announcement relating to the appointment of a consul in Goma is particularly inappropriate and cannot be considered without Congolese approval.”
Rising Tensions Between Kinshasa and Nairobi
This diplomatic clash is the latest in a series of disputes straining DRC–Kenya relations:
- In 2023, Kinshasa accused Nairobi of hosting Congolese opposition figures critical of President Félix Tshisekedi.
- Around the same time, DRC officials alleged that Kenya’s financial system was being used for transactions linked to M23 rebel networks, accusations that Nairobi denied.
- Relations soured further when Kenya withdrew its troops from the East African Community (EAC) Regional Force after disagreements over strategy, with Kinshasa accusing the force of being too lenient on rebels.
Analysts say Ruto’s latest decision risks being interpreted as implicit recognition of M23 authority in Goma, undermining peace processes such as the Nairobi Process and the Qatar-facilitated peace talks.
Implications for Regional Diplomacy
The appointment dispute may carry significant consequences for regional stability:
- Peace talks jeopardized: Kenya’s credibility as a mediator in the EAC-led dialogue could be undermined.
- Regional mistrust: Kinshasa may harden its position against Kenya within the African Union and EAC forums.
- Increased tensions with Rwanda: Any move perceived as legitimizing M23 may further strain DRC–Rwanda relations.
Observers warn that mishandling the Goma consul issue risks deepening mistrust in East Africa at a time when regional cooperation is vital to address security and trade challenges.
Conclusion
The DRC has made it clear that Kenya’s appointment of a consul in rebel-held Goma will not be recognized without its approval. By invoking international law and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in North Kivu, Kinshasa has signaled that the move could worsen tensions and undermine fragile peace efforts in the region.
The ball is now in Nairobi’s court—whether to reconsider its decision or risk escalating a diplomatic standoff with Kinshasa.
