DRC: Denis Mukwege calls for security prerequisites for national dialogue

Nobel Peace Prize laureate Denis Mukwege has expressed reservations regarding President Félix Tshisekedi’s initiative for a national dialogue in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Mukwege argues that current conditions are unsuitable for a truly inclusive dialogue, suggesting that political and security tensions must first be eased. He emphasized that a legitimate national dialogue should only occur after the state restores sovereignty over its entire territory, particularly in the eastern regions currently affected by armed violence.

Mukwege also urged the government to postpone discussions regarding constitutional revision, citing the ongoing war and a serious health crisis. He specifically referenced articles 219 and 220 of the Constitution in his appeal.

In a separate development related to the proposed dialogue, the women's association Génération Femme met with Archbishop Evariste Ejiba Yamampia in Kinshasa. The association’s president, Elfie Esther Ilunga, submitted a list of priorities to ensure women's concerns are addressed. The group is advocating for the inclusion of various female demographics, including civil society members, politicians, and grassroots representatives, under the principle of “nothing about women without women.”