In a strongly worded open letter addressed to President Félix Tshisekedi on June 30, 2026, Nobel Peace Prize laureate Dr. Denis Mukwege delivered a scathing assessment of the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s leadership since 2019. His critique centered on the persistent security turmoil gripping the eastern regions, the handling of the state of emergency, foreign policy choices, security sector reforms, and pressing concerns over national sovereignty.

The renowned physician and human rights advocate urged the head of state to uphold national unity, safeguard the Constitution, and prioritize peace, justice, and the protection of civilians above all else.

Zero tolerance for corruption and impunity

In his public statement marking the country’s independence anniversary, Mukwege declared there was “nothing to celebrate,” painting a grim picture of a nation grappling with deepening insecurity, widespread suffering, and escalating threats to its territorial integrity. He highlighted the government’s failure to address critical security challenges in the East, questioning the effectiveness of emergency measures and regional diplomatic engagements.

The Nobel laureate also voiced frustration over the stalled progress in combating impunity. He emphasized that key recommendations—particularly those calling for a transitional justice framework and the establishment of a tribunal to prosecute grave crimes in the DRC—had yet to materialize, leaving victims without recourse.

Call to preserve constitutional stability

Mukwege sounded the alarm over what he described as “threats to national sovereignty,” urging President Tshisekedi to abandon any plans for constitutional reform. Instead, he advocated for urgent efforts to restore peace, shield civilians, strengthen the rule of law, and enhance governance standards.

The former 2023 presidential hopeful framed the current moment as a “last chance” for the President to steer the nation toward sustainable recovery, warning that further missteps could deepen the crisis.