Women from several provinces in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have delivered an advocacy note to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, calling for an end to the conflicts in eastern DRC. This document is the result of a collective effort by members of women’s associations and human rights organizations.
The document was developed following nine meetings held between February and April 2025 with the support of MONUSCO, UN Women, and other United Nations agencies, funds, and programmes.
These discussions helped identify the major challenges facing women and communities in conflict zones and led to concrete and realistic recommendations aimed at restoring peace in the eastern part of the country, which remains plagued by armed violence.
According to Julienne Lusenge, who officially handed the advocacy note to the minister, “Children are suffering with no future, women are raped without justice. Women just want life to return to normal. Let this note be heard and, above all, taken seriously,”.
Recognized for her commitment to women’s rights and the fight against sexual violence, Ms. Lusenge has long been an advocate for peace and gender equality, particularly through her organization Solidarité Féminine pour la Paix et le Développement Intégral (Feminine Solidarity for Peace and Integral Development). She was accompanied at the presentation by several activists from Kinshasa, Goma, Bunia, Beni, and Bukavu—all united in their pursuit of peace.
A Powerful Call to Action
Minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner praised the women’s dedication, saying she was deeply moved by their initiative. “Armed violence, forced displacement, sexual violence used as a weapon of war… all of this represents a grave violation of human dignity and a major obstacle to our shared development. When women raise their voices to demand peace, they must be heard with attention, respect, and urgency,” she declared.
Regarding the advocacy note, the minister emphasized that it comes “at a crucial time,” stating that “it is a call to action, responsibility, and solidarity—both nationally and internationally. I assure you that the ministry will remain committed to carrying this voice to regional, continental, and international platforms.”
All participants, including representatives from UN Women and other institutions, welcomed the initiative and shared a common hope: to see peace return to the DRC. Mireille Laurier, Head of the Gender Section at MONUSCO, representing the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, highlighted the resilience of Congolese women:
“I want to commend the courage, dedication, and exceptional resilience of all Congolese women who, despite adversity, tirelessly continue their daily fight for a better future. Their ability to rise again—even in the most difficult circumstances—commands respect and deserves full recognition and support,” she stated.
L’Africaine/ Mawuko Fiaxe Agyemang
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