Angola’s President João Lourenço has launched a renewed diplomatic initiative aimed at fostering peace and stability in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where years of armed conflict have left millions of people displaced, vulnerable, and struggling under persistent insecurity.
Lourenço’s intervention underscores growing regional concern over the complex and protracted crisis in eastern DRC, where multiple armed groups including the ADF (Allied Democratic Forces) and M23 have continued to wage violent campaigns, often at the expense of civilians. The president’s peace push reflects Angola’s expanding role as a key mediator in central and southern African diplomacy.
Background: A decade-long Conflict in Eastern DRC
For more than a decade, eastern DRC has been one of Africa’s most volatile conflict zones. Armed groups, some with roots in neighbouring countries, have used the region’s dense forests and rugged terrain to conduct hit-and-run attacks, recruit fighters, and exploit local communities.
The humanitarian consequences have been staggering. Civilians have endured massacres, sexual violence, forced displacement, and chronic food insecurity. According to recent humanitarian estimates, millions in the region are internally displaced, with countless others lacking access to basic services such as healthcare, clean water, and education.
The involvement of foreign armed groups, including the ADF which has pledged allegiance to the Islamic State, has internationalised parts of the conflict and complicated peace efforts. Regional leaders and international partners have long sought pathways to peace, but progress has been slow amid persistent violence and political fragmentation.
Lourenço’s Diplomatic Mission
President João Lourenço’s mission reflects Angola’s proactive stance on regional security. In recent years, Angola has emerged as a significant diplomatic actor in central and southern Africa, often engaging in negotiations and peacebuilding efforts. Lourenço’s current push comes at a time when tensions in eastern DRC remain high, with ongoing clashes between rebel groups and Congolese security forces, alongside mounting civilian suffering.
Speaking in Luanda prior to his departure for the DRC, Lourenço emphasised Angola’s commitment to supporting peace and stability in the region. He said that Angola believes sustainable peace can only be achieved through inclusive dialogue, respect for human rights, and coordinated regional cooperation.
“We must reaffirm our commitment to peace in the Great Lakes region,” Lourenço stated. “The people of eastern DRC deserve to live in an environment free of fear and violence. Angola stands ready to support all stakeholders in finding lasting solutions.”
Engagement with DRC leadership
Upon arriving in Kinshasa, President Lourenço held high-level talks with DRC President Félix Tshisekedi, focusing on strategies to de-escalate violence and strengthen cooperation between the two nations. Both leaders discussed the importance of reinforcing peace processes that involve not only state actors but also regional bodies and civil society stakeholders.
Lourenço’s visit is understood to complement ongoing efforts by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR) regional organisations that have been at the forefront of diplomatic engagement in pursuit of peace and stability in eastern DRC.
President Tshisekedi welcomed Angola’s involvement and reiterated the DRC government’s readiness to work with regional and international partners to address security challenges. He emphasised that while military operations are necessary to confront armed groups, political dialogue, social reintegration, and economic development are equally essential components of any comprehensive peace strategy.
Focus on regional cooperation and security
A central theme of Lourenço’s diplomatic push is the reinforcement of regional cooperation. Eastern DRC’s instability has long been a concern for neighbouring countries, including Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, and Angola, all of which have at times been affected by cross-border violence or security spill-overs.
Angola’s engagement signals a willingness among regional states to move beyond bilateral tensions and work collaboratively toward shared security goals. Experts note that a coordinated regional framework is necessary to dismantle armed groups whose operations transcend national borders and require a united response.
Lourenço reiterated that security solutions must be paired with socio-economic support for affected communities. He called for increased investment in infrastructure, education, and livelihood programmes that could help stabilise areas devastated by conflict and reduce the appeal of armed mobilisation among displaced populations.
Humanitarian and development dimensions
While security remains a priority, both Angola and the DRC emphasised the humanitarian dimensions of the crisis. Millions of civilians in eastern Congo continue to live in displacement camps or informal settlements with limited access to essential services. Children and women are among the most vulnerable, with reports of malnutrition, disease outbreaks, and disrupted schooling prevalent across conflict-affected areas.
President Lourenço’s discussions included commitments to work with international humanitarian organisations to scale up relief efforts, improve access to food, shelter, medical care, and support rehabilitation programmes for survivors of violence.
Development partners, including the United Nations, the European Union, and key donor countries, have welcomed Angola’s initiative, saying it could help create momentum for broader peacebuilding and recovery strategies.
Challenges and outlook
Despite these substantive diplomatic moves, stakeholders acknowledge that achieving lasting peace in eastern DRC will be neither swift nor simple. Armed groups remain resilient, and local grievances including disputes over land, identity politics, and resource control continue to fuel cycles of violence.
Analysts suggest that sustained political will, coupled with inclusive governance reforms and community-led reconciliation processes, will be critical to achieving durable stability. Additionally, efforts to strengthen the capacity of state security forces, enhance judicial accountability, and address corruption are seen as complementary measures that could reinforce peace efforts.
President João Lourenço’s new peace initiative reflects a deepening regional resolve to confront the longstanding crisis in eastern DRC. Through high-level diplomacy, strategic dialogue with Congolese leadership, and a commitment to multilateral cooperation, Angola seeks to contribute meaningfully to a peace process that has long eluded resolution.
As diplomatic engagements continue and international support mobilises, the road forward remains challenging. Yet, Lourenço’s initiative underscores a renewed commitment by African leaders themselves to shepherd the region toward peace, stability, and sustainable development
