The Synergy of Civil Society Member Organizations in the Democratic Republic of Congo recently made a surprising decision to remove Dr. Denis Mukwege from their organization. This measure was taken due to his decision to present himself as a candidate for the presidency of the Republic in the elections scheduled for December 2023.
In an official communication, Synergy declared that no general assembly or congress had been organized to nominate a presidential candidate from among their members. They expressed surprise at Dr Mukwege’s claims that he had been urged by Congolese civil society to run as a candidate for around ten years. Synergy questioned these claims, asking which civil society organizations gave him their support and call to enter politics.
By taking this decision to remove Denis Mukwege from their ranks, Synergy has clearly expressed its opposition to any attempt to politically recover the achievements of civil society organizations. They consider civil society as an independent and non-partisan institution, guardian of the interests of the Congolese people.
This situation raises questions about the relations between civil society and the political world in the DRC, as well as the role of well-known personalities in the electoral landscape. While Denis Mukwege is internationally recognized for his work as a doctor and human rights activist, his decision to enter politics has sparked reactions and divided opinions within civil society.
It will be interesting to follow the evolution of this situation and see how civil society organizations react to this controversial decision. The DRC faces many political and social challenges, and the role of civil society in promoting democracy and justice remains essential. The coming months will be decisive for the political future of the country, and it is essential that all voices and key actors are heard and respected in this process.