The Forum of Congolese Intellectuals Abroad (FICE) has condemned President William Ruto's nomination of Judy Kiaria Nkumiri as a Consul General to Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The United States-based diaspora organisation argued that the move risks legitimising an ongoing illegal occupation, undermining Congo's sovereignty, and destabilising fragile peace efforts supported by the United States and Qatar.
Goma is located in North Kivu Province and remains under partial control of the M23 rebel group, a terrorist movement widely accused of atrocities and mass displacement.
"This decision by President Ruto is not diplomacy—it is an alarming attempt to normalise the control of a terrorist militia over Congolese territory," said Dr. Ngoie Joël Nshisso, head of FICE.
"By bypassing Kinshasa and ignoring international norms, Kenya risks undoing the hard work of U.S. and Qatari peace efforts and fueling further violence in eastern Congo."
FICE was, however, not the first entity to condemn the nomination, as DRC Foreign Minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner also rejected the announcement, terming it inappropriate.
She cited the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, which requires host country approval before any consular appointment.
She further stated, "Any announcement regarding the appointment of a consul in Goma is particularly inappropriate and should not be considered without the approval of the Congolese authorities."
On August 19, Musalia Mudavadi clarified that President Ruto’s nomination of the Consul General did not in itself amount to a diplomatic posting, following concerns that the appointment did not follow due process.
He noted that Kiaria could not assume office until both Parliament and the DRC government gave their approval.
"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, and the Francophone of the Democratic Republic of Congo promptly and formally expressed concerns about Kenya’s nomination of a Consul-General of Goma, citing, among other issues, the absence of prior consultations,” Mudavadi stated.
"In line with the Constitution of Kenya and diplomatic practice and protocol, once the nominee receives parliamentary approval, Kenya shall formally request Agrément or acceptance by the applicable host states, including the DRC, before diplomatic posting."
