DRC rejects Ruto’s appointment of Judy Nkumiri as Goma consul
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has rejected President William Ruto’s appointment of Judy Kiara Nkumiri as Kenya’s Consul General to Goma, escalating diplomatic friction between the two countries.
In a strongly worded statement posted on X by the Congolese Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Saturday, August 16, 2025, Kinshasa stressed that the move was contrary to established international law.
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“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 an exequatur by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kinshasa,” the statement read.
The Congolese government said it had only learned of the nomination through Nairobi’s public announcement rather than formal diplomatic channels. It emphasised that Kenya must follow due process before such appointments can take effect.
“Kinshasa therefore expects to be officially notified by Nairobi through established diplomatic channels, and will respond exclusively through those same channels, in accordance with the rules of courtesy and mutual respect,” it added.
The statement went further to link the rejection to the volatile security situation in eastern DRC, where M23 rebels continue to occupy the strategic city of Goma in North Kivu Province.
Kinshasa argued that appointing a consul there, without its consent, risked legitimising the ongoing conflict
“In this context, any announcement concerning the appointment of a consul in Goma is particularly inappropriate and cannot be considered without the consent of the Congolese authorities,” the ministry declared.
The rejection comes barely a day after President Ruto unveiled a sweeping redeployment of ambassadors, high commissioners, and consuls across Kenya’s diplomatic missions.
The DRC’s firm stance signals rising tensions that could test Nairobi’s ties with Kinshasa, especially in the wake of regional efforts to address the crisis in eastern Congo.
Despite the setback, the DRC reaffirmed its commitment to diplomacy. The ministry said Kinshasa remains open to constructive relations with Nairobi, provided they are anchored on mutual respect and adherence to international conventions.
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William Muthama
William Muthama is a digital journalist with a focus on entertainment, human interest, and current affairs. Share stories: [email protected]/ [email protected]
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