Nobel laureate Denis Mukwege slams DRC governance under President Tshisekedi

Denis Mukwege condemns governance failures in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

In a sharply worded open letter dated June 30, 2026, Nobel Peace Prize laureate Denis Mukwege delivered a scathing assessment of President Félix Tshisekedi‘s administration, highlighting persistent failures since taking office in 2019. The letter, addressed to the head of state, underscores critical concerns including the unchecked security crisis in eastern DRC, flawed emergency governance measures, diplomatic missteps, and stalled security sector reforms.

The renowned physician and human rights advocate also warns against tampering with the Constitution, urging Tshisekedi to prioritize national unity, sustainable peace, and the protection of civilians. Mukwege emphasizes that “there is nothing to celebrate” on the country’s independence anniversary, citing deepening instability and threats to territorial integrity.

Demanding accountability and justice

Mukwege’s critique extends to the government’s inability to curb corruption and impunity. He points to the lack of progress in transitional justice mechanisms, particularly the stalled establishment of a special tribunal to prosecute grave crimes committed across the country. The letter condemns the continued suffering of civilians amid escalating violence and the erosion of democratic institutions.

The Nobel laureate reserves his strongest condemnation for the absence of tangible reforms in security governance. He argues that emergency measures imposed in conflict zones have failed to restore stability, while diplomatic engagements with regional and international partners have not yielded meaningful results. Mukwege stresses that without decisive action, the DRC risks further fragmentation and loss of sovereignty.

A plea for constitutional integrity

In a direct challenge to Tshisekedi, Mukwege cautions against any attempts to revise the Constitution, framing such moves as a threat to national cohesion. He implores the president to seize what he describes as “the last opportunity” to steer the nation toward lasting peace, justice, and inclusive governance. The letter concludes with a call to place the welfare of the Congolese people at the heart of all state policies.