The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has formally protested Kenya’s appointment of Judy Kiaria Nkumiri as Consul-General to Goma, citing violations of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations.

In a statement dated August 16, Kinshasa said it was not consulted before the announcement, triggering a diplomatic dispute between the two countries.

The DRC government said international law requires a host nation’s consent for any consular 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 read.

Kinshasa added that it expects official notification from Nairobi through established diplomatic channels before it can respond formally.

“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 said.

The Congolese government also noted that Goma, located in the mineral-rich North Kivu province, is under illegal occupation by M23 rebels.

It said the conflict has led to serious human rights violations, warning that any consulate announcement without the DRC’s consent would be inappropriate.

“The DRC therefore calls for caution and discernment in public communication to avoid any misunderstanding, speculation, or appearance of legitimizing the ongoing illegal occupation,” it stated.

DRC's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, confirmed she met with Kenya’s Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi on August 16, 2025, emphasising the importance of respecting diplomatic procedures in the proposed appointment.

The DRC government reaffirmed its position on sovereignty and the need for mutual respect in diplomatic relations.