The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has lodged a formal protest against Kenya's appointment of Judy Kiaria Nkumiri as Consul-General to Goma, citing a violation of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations. In a statement dated August 16, the DRC government stated that it was not consulted on the matter, triggering a diplomatic row between the two nations.
The Congolese government's protest centers on a principle of international law, which requires a host nation's consent for a diplomatic appointment. "The DRC recalls that, according to international law and diplomatic procedures, the appointment of a head of a consular post requires prior agreement from the Congolese authorities and an exequatur from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Democratic Republic of the Congo," the statement from Kinshasa read.
An image of the appointment of Judy Kiaria Nkumiri as Consul-General to Goma, effective August 16, 2025.
Kiki Kienge The DRC government has stated that it expects to be officially notified by Nairobi regarding the appointment before it can provide a formal response. "Kinshasa expects, therefore, to be officially notified by Nairobi through established diplomatic channels, and will respond exclusively via these channels in the spirit of courtesy and mutual respect," the DRC government added.
