Nobel laureate Mukwege slams Tshisekedi's governance in DRC

Nobel Peace Prize laureate Denis Mukwege has issued a scathing critique of President Félix Tshisekedi's governance in the Democratic Republic of Congo, detailing his concerns in an open letter released on June 30, 2026. Mukwege, a prominent figure in Congolese civil society, stated there was "nothing to celebrate" on the country's independence anniversary, highlighting a profound crisis marked by insecurity, widespread suffering, and threats to national territorial integrity.

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there is nothing to celebrate

Since Tshisekedi's administration took office in 2019, Mukwege pointed to several critical failures. He specifically criticized the management of the state of siege in eastern Congo, the government's security policies in the region, and its diplomatic engagements with regional and international partners. Furthermore, Mukwege expressed deep disappointment over the lack of significant progress in combating corruption and impunity, noting that recommendations for transitional justice and the establishment of a tribunal for grave crimes have not been implemented.

Mukwege also voiced concerns about potential threats to national sovereignty. He implored President Tshisekedi to focus on restoring peace, protecting civilians, strengthening the rule of law, and improving governance. Crucially, the Nobel laureate urged the president to refrain from initiating any constitutional review process, calling it a "last chance" to set the country on a path toward sustainable crisis resolution.

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risks for the sovereignty national

The letter calls for national unity and emphasizes that peace, justice, and the protection of citizens should be the nation's core priorities. Mukwege's intervention adds significant weight to ongoing debates about the direction of the DRC under Tshisekedi's leadership, particularly concerning security and accountability.

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this last chance