Renowned gynaecologist Denis Mukwege, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate celebrated for his work with victims of sexual violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), has declared his intention to run for the presidency in the upcoming December election.
Mukwege, who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2018 for his nearly two-decade campaign against sexual violence, made this announcement to an enthusiastic crowd of supporters at a conference center in the capital city of DRC, Kinshasa.
"My only motivation is to save and develop our country,"
he declared, while offering a scathing critique of the current regime. However, his speech did not delve into specific policy proposals, with the promise that he would unveil his program details later.
Dr. Denis Mukwege, often referred to as the "man who repairs women," is a 68-year-old doctor known for treating countless victims of war-related sexual violence at the Panzi hospital he founded in 1999. His hospital is located in eastern DRC, a region still plagued by militia groups from two civil wars between 1996 and 2003, which continue to instigate violence against civilians despite military interventions. Mukwege has consistently condemned DRC's culture of impunity regarding war crimes and crimes against humanity, as documented by the United Nations. Notably, he survived an assassination attempt in 2012. Over time, there has been a growing call for him to enter the political arena in the December 20th election.
"You have healed many women, and today we are asking you to heal this country too,"
said one fervent supporter, Justine Mafu, expressing her anticipation of Mukwege's announcement.
Mukwege is set to challenge the incumbent president, Felix Tshisekedi, whose first term has been marred by economic hardships, epidemics, and escalating insecurity in the eastern part of the country. Additionally, opposition leader Martin Fayulu, who finished second to Tshisekedi in the 2018 election, confirmed over the weekend that he would also be a contender. The lead-up to the upcoming polls has been characterized by tension, with multiple opposition candidates complaining about delays and issues in the electoral process, which they argue place them at a disadvantage. Mukwege underscored the importance of safeguarding the integrity of the election, stating,
"We have the right to contest the results of a rigged election before, during, and after the poll."
As Dr. Denis Mukwege formally enters the political arena, his campaign is expected to focus on addressing the nation's pressing issues and nurturing hope for a brighter future in the DRC.
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