Musalia Mudavadi says Kenya respects DRC’s sovereignty amid concerns over Goma posting.
Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Affairs CS Musalia Mudavadi has assured the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) that Kenya fully respects its sovereignty and diplomatic procedures. This follows concerns raised over the nomination of a Consul-General to Goma.
Mudavadi said he had spoken with DRC’s Foreign Minister, Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, to clarify that the nomination announced by President William Ruto on August 15, 2025, was not a final diplomatic posting. He stressed that Kenyan law and international practice require parliamentary approval before formally seeking the host country’s consent.
“The presidential nomination does not in itself constitute a diplomatic posting,” Mudavadi stated. “Once the nominee is approved by Parliament, Kenya will request Agrément from the host state. In the case of Goma, the DRC government must also issue an Exequatur before the Consul-General assumes office.”
Mudavadi dismissed speculation of strained relations, saying the redeployment of envoys was meant to boost service delivery and strengthen cooperation, not undermine DRC’s sovereignty.
He reaffirmed Kenya’s support for peace efforts in eastern DRC through the joint EAC-SADC-AU framework, where Nairobi serves as co-chair.
Mudavadi emphasised that Kenya and the DRC have enjoyed strong relations since 1963, with consular offices in Goma and Mombasa, alongside embassies in Kinshasa and Nairobi.
“Kenya remains firmly committed to advancing our shared interests in trade, regional integration, and security. The breadth of opportunities and strategic interests between our two nations continues to drive our shared prosperity and lasting partnership for the benefit of our peoples,” he said.
