DRC's 'rape surgeon' calls for 'radical change' in political system

Denis Mukwege, a surgeon who set up a hospital in Bukavu in eastern DR Congo that treats women subjected to sexual violence has called for a radical change in the country’s governance system.

Mukwege, became famous for his fight for the dignity of women raped in the country, an act that earned him Europe’s top human rights prize – Sakharov Prize – for his efforts.

Dr. Denis Mukwege founded the Panzi Hospital to treat women & girls who are victims of sexual violence. #beawitness pic.twitter.com/Empjrj35lR

— VICELAND (@VICELAND) May 11, 2016

But as DR Congo commemorated the 19th anniversary of the seizure of power by Desiree Kabila, the father of current President Joseph Kabila, Dr. Mukwege used the occasion to call for “a radical change in the current system.”

Mukwege refered to the situation in the restive eastern DR Congo which was being ran by militias fighting to control the country’s vast mineral wealth as one that needed to end.

The incessant conflict has led in more than 20 years of sexual violence against women

Tension has been rising in DR Congo following reports that President Kabila was planning to extend his stay in office beyond his term which ends later this year.

Kabila is yet to respond to the comments but the country’s court ruled last week that Kabila could remain in a caretaker capacity beyond the expiry of his term in December.