Current:Home > NewsCongolese Nobel laureate kicks off presidential campaign with a promise to end violence, corruption -Elevate Profit Vision
Congolese Nobel laureate kicks off presidential campaign with a promise to end violence, corruption
View
Date:2025-04-17 13:03:02
GOMA, Congo (AP) — Congolese Nobel Peace Prize laureate Dr. Denis Mukwege kicked off his campaign for president in next month’s election on Saturday, promising to tackle corruption and the violent conflict ravaging communities in the country’s east.
The 68-year-old renowned medical doctor told a crowd of supporters in Bukavu city in the eastern South Kivu province that he would also end famine in Congo, a richly endowed but impoverished country battling high rates of poverty and hunger.
“This is the pillar of the work we are going to do to give back to the Congolese people their dignity and their value,” Mukwege told at least 2,000 people gathered in Bukavu, his hometown.
Mukwege was named the joint winner of the Nobel Peace Prize in 2018 for his work in supporting victims of sexual violence in the fighting in Congo through the Panzi Hospital he founded.
He is known for his yearslong activism in the country, surviving an assassination attempt in 2012 and facing death threats.
Mukwege is seeking to run in the Dec. 20 election against Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi — who is seeking reelection — and several other popular opposition figures, including Martin Fayulu, a former oil executive who lost to Thisekedi five years ago; businessman Moise Katumbi; and former Prime Minister Matata Ponyo.
“When you entrust me with the governance of this country, the first thing I want to do is to do everything to set up an army that will be structured and modernized,” he said. “If you vote well, your lives will improve and if you vote badly, you will still remain slaves.”
Fighting in eastern Congo has been simmering for decades as more than 120 groups fight for power, land and valuable mineral resources, while others try to defend their communities. But it spiked in late 2021 when the M23 rebel group, which had been largely dormant, resurfaced and started capturing territory.
Some of Mukwege’s supporters said they were optimistic he would win.
“He is a candidate who is a choice of the Congolese people because he is a candidate from civil society,” said Nabitu Aline, a supporter and resident of Bukavu. “We expect a lot from him, he is our hope.”
veryGood! (2663)
Related
- 'As foretold in the prophecy': Elon Musk and internet react as Tesla stock hits $420 all
- Grammy Museum to launch 50 years of hip-hop exhibit featuring artifacts from Tupac, Biggie
- A Democratic prosecutor is challenging her suspension by Republican Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis
- Mission underway to rescue American who fell ill while exploring deep cave in Turkey
- Which apps offer encrypted messaging? How to switch and what to know after feds’ warning
- Human skull found in Goodwill donation box in Arizona; police say no apparent link to any crime
- Medical credit cards can be poison for your finances, study finds
- Sophia Bush Wears Dress From Grant Hughes Wedding Reception to Beyoncé Concert
- Realtor group picks top 10 housing hot spots for 2025: Did your city make the list?
- Teen Mom's Maci Bookout Shares How Ryan Edwards' Overdose Impacted Their Son Bentley
Ranking
- Sam Taylor
- Marina owner convicted in fatal 2008 boat crash settles new environmental protection case
- Michigan State Police shoot, arrest suspect in torching of four of the agency’s cruisers
- Pratt Industries plans a $120M box factory in Georgia, with the Australian-owned firm hiring 125
- Grammy nominee Teddy Swims on love, growth and embracing change
- Virginia lawsuit stemming from police pepper-spraying an Army officer will be settled
- Fiji is deporting leaders of a South Korean sect that built a business empire in the island country
- Foreign Relations chair seeks answers from US oil firms on Russia business after Ukraine invasion
Recommendation
'Most Whopper
Watch: Video shows how Danelo Cavalcante escaped prison in Chester County, Pennsylvania
Texas AG Ken Paxton’s impeachment trial defense includes claims of a Republican plot to remove him
AG investigates death of teens shot by deputy
New Mexico governor seeks funding to recycle fracking water, expand preschool, treat mental health
Tennis finally allowing player-coach interactions during matches win for players and fans
Boy band talent agency's new president faces abuse allegations after founder's sexual assault scandal
Kim Sejeong is opening the 'Door' to new era: Actress and singer talks first solo album