Mukwege Urges Special Tribunal and Warns Against Constitutional Revision

Kinshasa, DRC, August 1, 2026 - On the occasion of Genocost Day, Nobel laureate Dr. Denis Mukwege delivered a powerful address advocating for the establishment of a special criminal tribunal for the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). He emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach to transitional justice that includes prosecutions, truth-telling, reparations, and institutional reform to prevent future atrocities. Mukwege proposed the creation of a national memorial in Kinshasa, alongside provincial memory sites, to honor the victims of violence and ensure that their stories are not forgotten. He also called for enhanced traceability of strategic minerals and local transformation to address the root causes of conflict.

In his remarks, Mukwege highlighted the ongoing atrocities in eastern DRC, particularly the massacres attributed to the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) in the Beni and Mambasa regions. He referenced findings from UN experts that implicate the Rwandan army and the M23/AFC groups in the ongoing violence and exploitation of mineral resources. Mukwege underscored the internal issues of complicity, corruption, and weak governance within the justice and security sectors, which exacerbate the cycle of violence and impunity.

Furthermore, Mukwege urged the Congolese authorities to abandon proposed constitutional revisions that he believes are designed to extend President Félix Tshisekedi’s mandate. He warned that such changes could lead to increased instability and conflict within the country, undermining the progress made toward peace and justice. His call to action reflects a broader demand for accountability and reform in a nation still grappling with the legacies of past violence and ongoing human rights violations.