Steph Deschamps / June 14, 2022
On the last day of their trip to the Democratic Republic of Congo, King Philippe and Queen Mathilde visited Dr. Mukwege's hospital in Panzi, a suburb of Bukavu (South Kivu, east).
The 2018 Nobel Peace Prize laureate highlighted the courage and humanity of the sovereigns on this occasion. We are speechless in front of the testimonies of these women who have been touched at the deepest level, commented the King, for his part.
At Panzi, Dr. Mukwege treats women, mainly victims of sexual violence, which he once described as a weapon of war in Kivu. They receive medical and psychological care, as well as help to reintegrate into their communities.
The hospital is now waiting for Belgium, as well as other countries, to raise awareness of the fact that eastern Congo is once again in an emergency situation. At the international level, there is a double standard. The whole world is talking about the conflict in Ukraine, but there is hardly any mention of what is happening here.
Other Belgian institutions are collaborating with the clinic. The Limburg-based company Glim Service has spent the last two weeks developing the operating room visited by the royal couple on Sunday.
This hospital is extremely advanced, even by Belgian standards, said company director Angelo Cruysberghs. The Nobel Prize and other titles Dr. Mukwege has received have made it easier for him to raise funds because of his global notoriety.
We are very touched to be here, said Queen Mathilde. We will carry your word into the Congo and beyond, she assured.
The visit was the last step of the royal couple's stay in the DRC. The delegation will have dinner again on Sunday eveningin Lubumbashi, before returning to Belgium on Monday evening.