The Democratic Republic of Congo has firmly rejected Kenya’s appointment of a Consul-General to Goma, accusing Nairobi of breaching diplomatic protocol and undermining Congolese sovereignty amid ongoing conflict in the eastern region.

Kenya’s designation of Judy Kiara as Consul-General to Goma announced Friday has sparked outrage in Kinshasa, which claims the move was made without prior consultation or notification, a requirement under international diplomatic norms.

In an official statement, the Congolese Foreign Ministry said the appointment “violates established international procedures and risks being interpreted as legitimizing the occupation of Goma by M23 rebels.”

“This is not just a breach of protocol it is a political misstep,” said a senior Congolese official. “Goma is not a stable diplomatic zone. It is under the control of a rebel movement our government is actively fighting.”

Background

Goma, the capital of North Kivu province, fell under rebel control earlier this year after intense clashes between the Congolese armed forces and the M23 rebel group, which Kinshasa accuses of receiving foreign support, including from regional actors.

The M23’s takeover of Goma has been internationally condemned, and the Congolese government continues to assert its authority over the region.

Kenya’s Position

Kenyan President William Ruto included Judy Kiara’s appointment in a wider diplomatic reshuffle aimed at expanding Kenya’s influence in the Great Lakes region. Nairobi has not publicly responded to Congo’s rejection, but sources within Kenya’s foreign ministry say the appointment was made “in good faith” to support regional diplomacy and Kenyan citizens in Goma.

However, Congo sees it differently as an act of interference in a conflict zone still under military contestation.

Diplomatic Fallout

This latest dispute comes amid tense regional dynamics, with Congo already wary of neighboring countries’ involvement in eastern DRC’s volatile landscape. The African Union and East African Community are expected to be called on to mediate and clarify regional diplomatic boundaries.

As of now, the status of Kenya’s proposed diplomatic mission in Goma remains uncertain, and relations between Kinshasa and Nairobi appear strained.

Troy Fitrell, the U.S. Special Envoy for the Great Lakes Region of Africa, stated in a recent virtual briefing that technical teams are actively working to advance the peace process.

“This week we have technical teams engaged to try and reach the next phase,” Fitrell said. “We’ve already agreed on the principles—now the challenge is implementing them. We’re still aiming for a June or July deal.”

He added, “There’s no point in dragging this out. If it’s going to happen, it has to happen now,” underscoring Washington’s urgency in moving the talks forward.

A planned meeting in May between the foreign ministers of Rwanda and the DRC was postponed, signaling persistent tensions and the fragile nature of the negotiations.

Meanwhile, in a separate initiative hosted in Doha, representatives from the Congolese government and the M23 rebel group have been called back for additional discussions following earlier consultations. This Qatar-led dialogue is considered a complementary effort focused on resolving the conflict in eastern Congo, where M23 forces have captured significant territory in recent months.

Despite regional and global engagement, deep mistrust continues between Kinshasa and Kigali. The DRC accuses Rwanda of backing M23 rebels—an allegation Rwanda denies.

While the U.S. has taken on a more active role in trying to narrow the divide, diplomats note that any lasting solution will depend on strong political commitment from all sides.