In an open letter released on Tuesday, 30 June 2026, Nobel Peace Prize laureate Denis Mukwege delivered a harsh assessment of the country’s leadership since 2019, targeting President Félix Tshisekedi. He highlights the ongoing security crisis in eastern DRC, mismanagement of the state of siege, questionable diplomatic choices, stalled security sector reforms, and threats to national sovereignty.
Mukwege urged the head of state to safeguard national unity, avoid tampering with the Constitution, and make peace, justice, and civilian protection the top national priorities.
Rejecting corruption and impunity
In the letter, Mukwege declared there is “nothing to celebrate” on the anniversary of the country’s independence. He described the DRC as mired in a deep crisis marked by insecurity, widespread suffering, and risks to territorial integrity.
The Nobel laureate revisited several key decisions made since Tshisekedi took office in 2019. He was particularly critical of the state of siege handling, security policy in the east, and certain diplomatic moves with regional and international partners.
Mukwege also lamented the lack of meaningful progress in the fight against impunity. He regretted that recommendations for transitional justice and the creation of a court to try serious crimes committed in the DRC have not materialised.
No to constitutional revision
The former presidential candidate—who lost the 2023 election—also voiced concern over “risks to national sovereignty” and called on the president to focus on restoring peace, protecting civilians, strengthening the rule of law, and improving governance.
Mukwege implored Felix Tshisekedi not to launch a constitutional revision process and to seize what he called “this last chance” to steer the country toward a sustainable exit from the crisis.
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