On Thursday, the former Ambassador of the Democratic Republic of Congo to Kenya, and President Tshisekedi’s brother-in-law, Nyakeru Kalunga John, was appointed as DRC’s Ambassador to South Africa, according to an announcement from the Congolese presidency.
John Nyakeru’s appointment follows his removal from the Kenyan post in December 2023, after diplomatic tensions erupted between the two countries over the hosting of the AFC alliance on Kenyan soil.
The recall was triggered by Kenyan President William Ruto’s refusal to comply with Kinshasa’s request to arrest Corneille Nangaa, the leader of the “Alliance Fleuve Congo” (AFC / M23).
Ruto defended his decision by stating that Kenya, as a democracy, protects freedom of expression and cannot arrest someone merely for their words.
The family of the First Lady of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Denise Nyakeru, has gained increasing visibility in diplomatic circles.
Besides John Nyakeru—the brother of Denise Nyakeru who served as ambassador to Kenya and has now been posted to South Africa—his sister, Jeannette Njuma Nyakeru, is also an ambassador, currently serving in Ghana.
