The First Lady of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Denise Nyakeru Tshisekedi, has called for increased mobilisation in support of the protection of women and young girls affected by armed conflicts in the East of the country.
On Wednesday, March 25, she posted a message on her X account, stating that she had exchanged views in Washington with Melanne Verveer, Executive Director of the Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security. This meeting took place on the sidelines of the Fostering the Future Together Coalition summit, which brings together several actors committed to issues of peace, security, and women’s rights.
The situation of Congolese women living in areas affected by armed violence in the East of the Democratic Republic of Congo was at the center of these discussions. The First Lady notably mentioned the persistence of sexual violence used as a weapon of war, which she considers a major obstacle to the return of lasting peace.
In her message, she also emphasized the need to strengthen mechanisms for protecting victims, to combat impunity for the perpetrators of these crimes, and to promote a more active participation of women in peace processes.
Nancy Clémence Tshimueneka
