Nobel laureate Denis Mukwege warns of RDC crisis under Tshisekedi
In an open letter addressed to President Félix Tshisekedi on June 30, 2026, Nobel Peace Prize laureate Denis Mukwege delivered a scathing assessment of the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s leadership since 2019.
Mukwege highlighted persistent security challenges in the country’s eastern regions, the handling of the state of emergency, diplomatic strategies, security sector reforms, and critical sovereignty concerns. He urged the Head of State to safeguard national unity, uphold the Constitution, and prioritize peace, justice, and civilian protection.
Rejecting corruption and impunity
In his strongly worded letter, Mukwege declared there was “nothing to celebrate” on Independence Day, condemning the deepening crisis marked by insecurity, widespread suffering, and threats to territorial integrity.
The 2018 Nobel Prize winner scrutinized key decisions made since Tshisekedi took office, including the management of the state of emergency, security policies in the East, and certain diplomatic alignments with regional and global partners. He also expressed disappointment over the lack of progress in combating impunity, particularly regarding transitional justice mechanisms and the establishment of a tribunal to prosecute grave crimes in the DRC.
No to constitutional reform
Mukwege warned of “threats to national sovereignty” and called on the President to refocus on restoring peace, shielding civilians, strengthening the rule of law, and enhancing governance.
The former 2023 presidential candidate urged Tshisekedi to abandon any plans for constitutional revision, urging him to seize “this final opportunity” to steer the nation toward lasting stability.
