Nobel Peace Laureate Dr. Denis Mukwege has expressed strong reservations about the ongoing peace process between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) government and M23 rebels. The Washington- and Doha-led initiative aims to end the fighting in eastern DRC, but Mukwege has denounced it as “illegitimate, precarious and incapable of guaranteeing lasting peace.”
In a statement released over the weekend, Mukwege pointed to the “predatory dynamics” of foreign actors seeking to exploit the region’s vast mineral resources. He believes the deal neglects the root causes and regional dynamics of the conflict, instead serving foreign geo-strategic interests. The people of North and South Kivu, Mukwege claims, have been excluded from the negotiations and continue to be “deprived of their fundamental rights.”
Mukwege criticized the peace process for lacking transparency, guarantees, and a clear timetable. He warned that any lack of rigor in the agreement would allow for selective enforcement and create uncertainty on the ground. To achieve lasting peace, Mukwege emphasizes the importance of including affected communities in discussions and prioritizing their rights over foreign and economic interests.
The DRC opposition leaders have also called on President Félix Tshisekedi to make the agreement public before signing it, warning against agreeing to anything that would undermine the country’s sovereignty. Mukwege’s views carry significant weight, given his reputation as a champion of human rights and his work to end sexual violence as a weapon of war, for which he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2018.
The conflict in eastern DRC has been ongoing for decades, with various rebel groups, including the M23, vying for control. The region is rich in mineral resources, including gold, diamonds, and coltan, which has fueled the conflict. The international community has been engaged in efforts to broker a peace deal, but Mukwege’s comments highlight the challenges and complexities involved in achieving a lasting and sustainable peace.
As the peace process continues, the international community will be watching closely to see how the DRC government and the M23 rebels respond to Mukwege’s criticisms and the demands of the opposition leaders. The outcome of these negotiations will have significant implications for the people of eastern DRC and the region’s stability.