Duchess of Edinburgh Visits Congo, Meets Tshisekedi in Kinshasa

The Duchess of Edinburgh has completed a four-day visit to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), highlighting grassroots peace efforts, women’s rights, and support for survivors of conflict-related sexual violence.

The visit, which took place from September 29 to October 2, 2025, was at the request of the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, as part of global efforts marking the 25th anniversary of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security.

Visit to North Kivu

The Duchess travelled to Beni, North Kivu, which became the temporary regional capital after the capture of Goma by the Rwanda-backed M23 rebellion in January 2025. Beni now hosts displaced DRC government authorities, MONUSCO’s Joint Force HQ, and humanitarian agencies.

While in Beni, the Duchess met:

• Women peacebuilders working under dangerous conditions to defend communities.

• UN peacekeepers, including British soldiers, supporting civilian protection and stabilization.

• Clinicians at Beni General Hospital, who provide vital UK-funded health services for survivors of sexual violence.

She also visited Virunga Origins Café, part of Virunga National Park, which now stands as the largest employer in North Kivu, showing how conservation and clean energy are creating jobs and hope despite war.