Overview
- Sophie completed a high-security trip from September 29 to October 2, visiting Beni and Kinshasa at the request of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.
- She heard testimony from survivors, including a 16-year-old who alleged assault by a police officer, and observed Dr Denis Mukwege operate on a five-year-old at the Panzi Clinic.
- The Duchess joined a MONUSCO Brazilian jungle training team in Beni for demonstrations on landmine detection, first aid and protected patrols.
- She visited a UK-supported Danish Refugee Council safe space that teaches livelihoods, met women harmed during the Makala prison mass escape, and learned about recovery efforts linked to Virunga National Park.
- In Kinshasa she toured Kintambo General Hospital with Prime Minister Judith Suminwa and Health Minister Dr Samuel Roger Kamba Mulamba, met civil society and later called for the issue to “get under your skin.”