All Smiles as DR Congo’s New Ambassador Takes up Duties in China

DR Congo Ambassador François Nkuna Balumuene presented his credentials to Hong Lei from China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Image via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

François Nkuna Balumuene, the Democratic Republic of Congo’s new ambassador to China, presented his credentials to Hong Lei, the Director-General of the Protocol Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs last week.

The new ambassador has wasted no time in making courtesy calls to Chinese mining companies with an interest in the DRC. This is a signal that while Chinese mining interests in the central African country remain controversial, the government is determined to put a friendly face on relations.

  • Get a daily email packed with the latest China-Africa news and analysis.
  • Read exclusive insights on the key trends shaping China-Africa relations.
  • Full access to the News Feed that provides daily updates on Chinese engagement in Africa and throughout the Global South.

China, Africa and the Global South... find out what’s happening.

Subscribe today for unlimited access.

What is The China-Global South Project?

Independent

The China-Global South Project is passionately independent, non-partisan and does not advocate for any country, company or culture.

News

A carefully curated selection of the day’s most important China-Global South stories. Updated 24 hours a day by human editors. No bots, no algorithms.

Analysis

Diverse, often unconventional insights from scholars, analysts, journalists and a variety of stakeholders in the China-Global South discourse.

Networking

A unique professional network of China-Africa scholars, analysts, journalists and other practioners from around the world.