– The situation is worse now, says Mukwege – NRK Buskerud – Local news, TV and radio

It is just over five years since Denis Mukwege received the Nobel Peace Prize, together with Iraqi Nadia Murad, for their fight against sexualized violence used as a weapon in war and armed conflicts. They smiled almost modestly from the balcony of the Grand Hotel during the torchlight procession.

The turnout was so great that the organizers ran out of torches.

The burning commitment of the Congolese doctor is still as great, and today Mukwege was back in Norway. The smile was there, but the backdrop was as dark as in 2018.

– The situation is worse now than when I received the peace prize, he says to NRK.

Moved the whole hall

Russia is waging a war against Ukraine. There is war in the Palestinian territories and the situation between Israel and Iran is at boiling point.

– After the peace prize, we have seen the war in Ukraine, and we know what is going on there. And then we have seen what has happened in Israel and Gaza. That’s why I really think it has gotten worse, says Mukwege.

He was in Drammen in connection with his appointment as an honorary doctorate at the University of Southeast Norway.

When he received the peace prize in Oslo City Hall five years ago, the hall was strongly influenced by his speech. Several cried and showed strong discomfort, including Crown Princess Mette-Marit, at what they heard him tell.

The story was about a little girl, only 18 months old, who came into the hospital in an ambulance. The infant’s bladder, genitals and rectum were severely damaged. The girl had been penetrated by an adult, Mukwege recounted from that day.

– Must gather strength

Mukwege believes the situation for women in war has never been worse. Gang rape, mutilation and sexualized torture take place in today’s wars, without being talked about, he says.

Rape is used as part of systematic warfare, and it is a global problem that should concern us all, according to the doctor.

– When we know that this is happening on all continents, we must gather our strength, because it is a pandemic that destroys women and children in war.

Rape is used as a weapon. Reports show that this happens in many conflicts, on several continents.

Will cooperate with the Congo

Pia Cecilie Bing-Jonsson is rector at the University of Southeast Norway. She wants both more research and more collaboration. That is why they have appointed Mukwege as an honorary doctor.

– We hope that this will put an increased focus on the topic within our research environment, and that we can also get more research projects, for example with the Congo, through this, she says.

Mukwege has seen thousands of women devastated by war, but never ceases to be impressed by their strength.

– Their capacity and power to fight for their rights, the children and the local community suffering in war… They are heroines!