The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has raised objections over President William Ruto’s nomination of a new Consul General to Goma, warning that such nominations require prior approval from Congolese authorities.
This comes after President William Ruto nominated Judy Kiaria Nkumiri as Kenya’s Consul General to Goma and Moni Manyange as the new Deputy Head of Mission to DRC in Kinshasa.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Congolese Ministry of Foreign Affairs reminded Kenya that under international law and diplomatic procedures, the Kenyan government must consult before appointing any foreign consular chief on its territory.
“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 statement read.
Kinshasa termed the announcement inappropriate, particularly because Goma remains under what it described as “illegal occupation” by the M23 rebel group.
The DRC government stated that the situation is marked by grave human rights violations against civilians, as highlighted by recent United Nations reports.
“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 added.
The Congolese government urged caution in public communication to avoid any perception of legitimizing the ongoing occupation, while reaffirming its commitment to constructive bilateral relations with Kenya.
Further, the Congolese Foreign Affairs Ministry warned that if Kenya proceeded with the appointments, it could heighten diplomatic tensions between Nairobi and Kinshasa at a time when the two nations are key players in regional peace and security efforts.
In response, Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei termed DRC’s reaction as ‘premature’, citing that Kenya would have sought approval after the nominee was given the green light 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 Counsel General reports to post. This reaction is unfortunately premature.”
