In Luanda, Félix Tshisekedi met with his Angolan counterpart João Lourenço, a key figure in regional diplomatic efforts addressing the crisis in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. The two heads of state held private discussions ahead of regional summit proceedings.
The timing of their meeting coincides with Angola’s ongoing consultations aimed at facilitating an inter-Congolese dialogue. Earlier this year, emissaries from Félix Tshisekedi traveled to Angola to align on the Angolan government’s stance regarding this critical process.
Angolan authorities report having engaged with multiple Congolese stakeholders and presented Kinshasa with a structured roadmap and reference framework to guide the inter-Congolese dialogue. However, significant gaps persist between the Congolese government, sections of the opposition, and religious institutions, preventing the dialogue from being formally convened.
Peace that must be tangible on the ground
During his address at the summit, Félix Tshisekedi framed the crisis in eastern DRC as “a test for Africa and the international community”. He highlighted the persistent threats posed by armed groups, widespread population displacement, human rights violations, foreign interference, and the illegal exploitation of natural resources.
The Congolese president reiterated his support for the Washington and Doha processes while emphasizing that lasting peace must be “verifiable through concrete results on the ground”.
João Lourenço, for his part, identified eastern DRC as one of the world’s most pressing conflict zones. The Angolan leader urged intensified efforts toward negotiated solutions, strict adherence to international law, and strengthened diplomacy. He underscored Angola’s commitment to advancing African-led solutions to the continent’s crises.
Despite the proliferation of diplomatic initiatives—including Washington, Doha, and Angola’s mediated inter-Congolese consultations—the security situation in eastern DRC remains dire. None of these efforts have yet translated into meaningful improvements on the ground.