The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has rejected Kenya’s decision to appoint a consul general to Goma, the eastern city currently under the control of M23 rebels.
In a statement on Saturday, Kinshasa described the move as “inappropriate,” warning that it undermines the country’s sovereignty and risks giving legitimacy to the Rwanda-backed armed group that captured the strategic city in January after a rapid offensive.
“The appointment of a consul in Goma without consultation shows disregard for Congo’s territorial integrity,” the government said, adding that Nairobi had failed to seek approval from Kinshasa as required under international diplomatic norms.
The M23 has seized large parts of North Kivu this year, setting up parallel administrations under the banner of the Congo River Alliance.
The group, accused of serious human rights abuses, says it is liberating the region from Kinshasa’s misrule.
Fighting has killed thousands and forced hundreds of thousands of people from their homes.
Qatar recently brokered a “declaration of principles” between the government and the rebels aimed at ending the conflict, but negotiations have stalled, and clashes have resumed in recent weeks.
Regional dynamics remain tense, with troops from Rwanda, Burundi, Uganda, and Kenya all present on Congolese soil under various deployments.
Analysts say Kenya’s latest move risks deepening mistrust.
“This could reinforce Kinshasa’s suspicion of Nairobi, especially given Kenya’s growing closeness to Rwanda under President William Ruto,” political analyst Christian Moleka told the Associated Press.
“It may also weaken regional efforts to build
