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.

Kinshasa Meetings

In Kinshasa, the Duchess was received by DRC Foreign Minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner and later met President Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo at the Palais de la Nation.

President Tshisekedi, whose government has prioritized the fight against M23 and the protection of civilians, praised the Duchess’s visit as a show of solidarity with the Congolese people. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to justice for survivors of sexual violence, national health reforms, and support for displaced populations from the east.

Panzi Clinic and Survivor Support

The Duchess also returned to the Panzi Clinic, founded by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Dr Denis Mukwege, which offers medical, legal, and psychosocial care for survivors of wartime rape.

She met survivors of the Makala Prison mass rape of 2024, who are now receiving care and protection through safe houses supported by Congolese and international partners.

At Kintambo General Hospital, alongside DRC Prime Minister Judith Suminwa and Health Minister Dr Samuel Roger Kamba, the Duchess reviewed Congo’s progress in strengthening its national health system.

The visit showcased not only the work of local women’s networks and hospitals but also the partnership between the DRC government and international allies.