Nobel Peace Prize laureate, Dr Denis Mukwege, who has been the target of death threats since July after he publicly condemned an 18-person massacre in the strife-torn region on social media was found marching in the street of the Democratic Republic of Congo on Thursday with hundreds of people.
Women the Mukwege had medically attended to following acts of sexual violence joined the march after the first gathering at his hospital in nearby Panzi to express concern and show support.
Mukwege has been campaigning for human rights violators to receive punishment from crimes committed during the two Congolese wars of 1996-98 and 1998-2003.
An impassioned demonstrator, Roger Buhendwa, shared his thoughts, “Ever since the doctor denounced the massacre in KiKippur there is a certain group of people who have been targeting him and we find that it is not normal because he is a human rights defender and it is his duty to sound the alarm when things are not working.”
Another activist, Josaphat Baraka, also said, “We demand the safety of Dr Denis Mukwege at all levels, nationally and regionally. The authorities need to find the people behind these threats and the justice system needs to do its work.”
“We are calling for Dr Denis Mukwege to have security, for the authorities to find the people behind this threat, “he added.
The locally respected doctor had already been garnering support both at home and abroad before these protests.
The United Nations’ peacekeeping force in the DRC has also pledged its support and the organisation’s human rights chief, Michelle Bachelet, urging the government to swiftly investigate the threats and bring those responsible to justice.
Last Friday, President Felix Tshisekedi vowed to see that the interior, security and justice ministers and other officials “take all measures necessary” to ensure his security and find the perpetrators behind the threats.
Chief Leila Zerrougui of The United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO), also stated on Wednesday, “We are working together on sustainable solutions that will enable DrDrukwege and the hospital to be protected by the Congolese institutions, by Congo, and obviously the mission, as a partner, will play its part.”
Mukwege is recognised by some citizens as a national treasure.
Follow Us
