01.09.2020

Protection of Dr Denis Mukwege demanded

Below is the statement of the Ecumenical Network Central Africa (ÖNZ), of which UEM is a member, calling for effective measures to be taken by the Congolese and German governments to protect Nobel Peace Prize winner Dr Denis Mukwege. The member church of UEM, the Eglise du Christ au Congo (ECC), has also published a statement on this issue which can be downloaded here.

Increased protection for Nobel Peace Prize winner Dr Denis Mukwege and an investigation into the recent threats against him

The Congolese Nobel Peace Prize winner and gynecologist Dr Denis Mukwege has been working tirelessly for many years, in addition to his medical activities, to put an end to violence and rampant impunity in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Due to his commitment, he has repeatedly been subjected to intimidation and threats. In recent weeks, a campaign has been launched against him, which has gone as far as death threats.

The increase in threats began after he condemned the recent outbreaks of violence in the province of South Kivu and demanded that all those responsible be brought to justice. The seriousness of these threats is demonstrated by a tragic event in October 2012, when one of his security men and a close friend were killed in an attack on Dr Mukwege. The perpetrators were never caught and brought to justice.

The Ecumenical Network Central Africa (ÖNZ) and its member organizations support an appeal by Congolese organizations and churches calling on the responsibility of the Congolese government and state security services to guarantee the safety of Dr. Mukwege. In addition, the authorities must follow up on their announcements to launch credible investigations to identify and hold accountable those responsible for past and present threats and attacks against Mukwege.

The German government - especially with the German Presidency of the UN Security Council and the German Presidency of the EU - and its representations on the ground should work to ensure that

• protection for Dr Mukwege and his close associates is strengthened and that an immediate investigation of recent threats against him is carried out;

• measures are taken to put an end to the increasing insecurity in the region and an investigation into the human rights violations taking place there. Furthermore, MONUSCO must also assume its responsibilities and implement its mandate to protect the population;

• if the threats against Dr Mukwege intensify, there is a possibility that he may be temporarily removed from the country to protect his life.

Further information (in German) of the ÖNZ is available here.