The RAID team mourns the loss of the Director of the Human Rights Programme at AFREWATCH, Mr Richard ILUNGA MUKENA, who passed away on Saturday 14th September. It is with a heavy heart that we offer our deepest condolences to AFREWATCH, Richard’s wife, children and extended family, and all those who had the chance of crossing his path.
For many years, the RAID team has had the privilege of working closely with Richard to expose the abusive practices of corporate actors in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). We were lucky to have known him in the formative years of both RAID and AFREWATCH, when we first set out to shine a light on the corporate abuses plaguing the DRC’s mining sector. Together, we launched some of the earliest investigations into industrial cobalt mining, long before the green energy transition brought global attention to the region. His courage in confronting injustices and his tireless commitment to amplifying the voices of local communities have left an indelible mark on all of us.
Visit our longer film featuring Mr Richard Ilunga Mukena here.
RAID’s Executive Director, Anneke Van Woudenberg, said today, “Richard was a true champion of human rights, dedicated to amplifying the voices of those too often silenced. His deep empathy for the communities he served, coupled with his courage and compassion, defined his approach to every challenge. Richard’s unique ability to bring both humanity and humour to the often-difficult work of documenting abuses, made him not just a respected colleague, but a treasured friend. We at RAID feel privileged to have worked alongside him. We are heartbroken by this loss, but are also profoundly grateful for the years we spent together in the fight for justice.”
This devastating loss comes soon after the sudden passing of Maître Céline TSHIZENA TSHINATE, and the pain is still raw for all of us. We stand in solidarity with the AFREWATCH team during this difficult time, united in our commitment to continue the important work Richard and Céline so passionately believed in.
Mr Ilunga Mukena’s funeral details are yet to be announced. Rest in peace, Richard.