The recent visit by Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) from September 29 to October 2, 2025, marks a significant moment in international advocacy for women’s rights and peacebuilding in one of the most conflict-affected regions of the world. Requested by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), this visit coincides with the 25th anniversary of the Women, Peace, and Security agenda established under UN Security Council Resolution 1325.
The Duchess’s journey is not a first; following her 2022 visit, her return underscores sustained commitment to spotlight the ongoing crisis of sexual and gender-based violence in the DRC and the pivotal role of women peacebuilders within the broader struggle for stability and human rights protection.
The Context of Conflict and Human Rights Abuses in Eastern DRC
Though part of a vast and resource-rich nation, the eastern DRC continues to battle severe insecurity. Over 120 militias and armed groups operate in the region, including the notorious M23 insurgency and various allied militias, all responsible for widespread human rights violations against civilians.
The area endures persistent armed conflict, forcing the UN Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO) and peacekeepers from multiple countries to maintain a fragile hold on peace. The stakes are high, with civilians—especially women and children—bearing the brunt of violence, displacement, and terror.
Engagement with Grassroots Women Peacebuilders and Survivors
During her four-day visit, the Duchess met with women peacebuilders working at the frontline of peace initiatives. These women engage communities, negotiate ceasefires, and support survivors of violence, even as they face escalating threats themselves. This direct contact with local advocates deepened the Duchess’s understanding of the complex societal fabric and the courage intrinsic to grassroots peace efforts.
At the Panzi Clinic in Kinshasa—founded by Nobel Peace Laureate Dr. Denis Mukwege—the Duchess witnessed firsthand the medical and psychological care provided to survivors of sexual violence. Dr. Mukwege, performing surgery on a child victim during her visit, spoke of the transformative significance of the Duchess’s presence, saying she brought an essential message to survivors:
“You are human.”
The Duchess expressed her deep emotional impact:
“You have to really question yourself and go ‘how can we have reached a point where rape is just accepted as a part of daily life?’”
This powerful reflection conveys the visit’s human dimension beyond mere diplomatic engagement.
The Unprecedented Scale of Sexual Violence
Disturbing statistics frame the crisis. UNICEF reports that nearly 40% of survivors of sexual violence in North and South Kivu are children. During the conflict’s fiercest periods, a child is raped every 30 minutes. The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has documented serious abuses committed by the M23, Congolese troops, and allied militias—some potentially rising to war crimes.
The Duchess’s visit to safe spaces in Beni, supported by UK aid, highlighted efforts to provide comprehensive psychosocial support and livelihood training, vital for survivors seeking to rebuild their lives. The safe houses shelter survivors of large-scale attacks, including a mass rape linked to a failed prison escape in 2024 from Makala Central Prison, Kinshasa, underscoring the persistent dangers faced.
Supporting Legal Advocacy and the Role of Justice
The Duchess also engaged with displaced legal professionals from eastern DRC, many continuing advocacy and human rights work despite ongoing challenges. Their resilience reflects the crucial intersection of justice with peacebuilding, highlighting legal advocacy’s role in securing accountability and protecting vulnerable groups within fragile contexts.
Her presence emphasized global solidarity with these efforts, signaling international attention not just to care but to systems change—holding perpetrators accountable and strengthening the rule of law.
Promoting Economic Empowerment and Environmental Sustainability
Moving beyond conflict zones, the Duchess visited the Virunga Origins Café, affiliated with Virunga National Park—a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Africa’s oldest National Park. This site exemplifies sustainable development, promoting women’s leadership, employment generation, clean energy, and biodiversity protection within a conflict-affected setting.
Virunga National Park plays a critical role in both conservation and community livelihoods across North Kivu, representing a multifaceted approach to peace and prosperity in a volatile region.
Collaborative Engagement with Government and Health Services
In Kinshasa, the Duchess met with key government officials including Prime Minister Judith Suminwa and Minister for Health Dr. Samuel Roger Kamba Mulamba at Kintambo General Hospital. Discussions centred on bolstering the national health system and enhancing support mechanisms for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence.
This engagement underscores the importance of political commitment and institutional strengthening alongside international advocacy and grassroots efforts to create holistic, sustainable solutions.
The Duchess framed the conflict and sexual violence crisis poignantly:
“This is a situation that requires resolution,”
signaling her intent to maintain focus on the DRC in her advocacy work.
Dr. Denis Mukwege expressed gratitude and poignantly noted the significance of high-profile visits to survivors:
“She brought a message of recognition and humanity to those who have suffered terribly.”
From broader international stakeholders, the Duchess’s visit has been praised as a vital act of global leadership, shining light on an often overlooked crisis. The Royal Family publicly acknowledged her efforts, emphasizing her role as an advocate for peace, gender justice, and human dignity across the Commonwealth and beyond.
