Embassy of the Democratic Republic of the Congo
The Chargé d’Affaires a.i.
Mr. Michel Shaku Yumi
Minister Counselor / Chargé d’Affaires a.i.
Mr. Michel Shaku Yumi is a seasoned diplomat from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), currently serving as Chargé d’Affaires a.i. at the Embassy of the DRC in Washington, D.C. With a diplomatic career spanning over three decades, he has distinguished himself through his expertise in international relations, his commitment to multilateralism, and his unwavering dedication to advancing his country’s interests on the global stage.
Born in Ufuku-Vele, DRC, Mr. Shaku Yumi holds a bachelor’s degree in international relations, earned with distinction from the University of Lubumbashi (UNILU). His diplomatic journey began in 1988 with a recruitment internship at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, specifically within the Europe Directorate. From 1990 to 2000, he was assigned to the Directorate of International Organizations, where he developed in-depth expertise in global diplomatic affairs and multilateral relations.
In March 2003, he was promoted to Head of the Office for Disarmament, Peace, and International Security within the Directorate of International Organizations. In this role, he played a crucial part in negotiations and the implementation of policies related to global stability and security.
His expertise in United Nations disarmament and peacekeeping led to his appointment as Second Counselor at the DRC Embassy in Windhoek, Namibia, further strengthening his skills in bilateral diplomacy and regional cooperation.
On December 27, 2018, Mr. Shaku Yumi was elevated to the rank of Director and Minister-Counselor at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs by presidential decree. This appointment recognized his exemplary service and unwavering commitment to Congolese diplomacy. In June 2023, he was assigned to the DRC Embassy in Washington, D.C., as Deputy Head of Mission (Minister-Counselor). A year later, in July 2024, he was appointed Chargé d’Affaires a.i. by H.E. Madame Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, Minister of State, Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, and Francophonie. In this strategic role, he oversees bilateral relations between the DRC and the United States.
Beyond his diplomatic career, Mr. Shaku Yumi has undertaken specialized training abroad, further solidifying his expertise in United Nations negotiations in New York. He holds a certificate of expertise in multilateral disarmament negotiations, awarded by Mr. Yasushi Akashi, then Under-Secretary-General for Disarmament, as well as a certificate in peacekeeping and international security negotiations, obtained in 1999 from the United Nations University in Amman, Jordan.
His diplomatic engagement and influence on the international stage have earned him several honorary distinctions. In October 1991, he was honored as an Honorary Citizen of the martyr city of Nagasaki, Japan, an award conferred by then-Mayor Hitoshi Motoshima. This recognition reflects his dedication to peace and disarmament issues, as well as his commitment to the values of international cooperation and peaceful diplomacy.
With his extensive experience and strong strategic vision, Monsieur Michel Shaku Yumi continues to play a leading role in Congolese diplomacy. His leadership and commitment to representing the DRC’s interests on the global stage make him a highly respected figure in international diplomatic circles.
MEET OUR EMBASSY DIVISIONS
The Embassy of the Democratic Republic of the Congo represents the DRC interests’ in the United States of America. The Embassy staff engages interested stakeholders on a range of diplomatic, security and economic issues related to the DRC and the U.S.A. while providing consular assistance to Congolese nationals, investors and those seeking to travel to the DRC.