During a visit to Luanda, Félix Tshisekedi met with his Angolan counterpart João Lourenço, a key figure in regional diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. The two leaders held a private meeting ahead of the regional summit.

This high-level discussion follows Angola’s ongoing consultations to facilitate an inter-Congolese dialogue. Earlier this year, envoys from Kinshasa traveled to Luanda to receive Angola’s formal position on the matter.

Angolan authorities report they have engaged with all major Congolese stakeholders, presenting President Tshisekedi with a structured roadmap and reference framework to guide the dialogue process.

However, deep divisions persist between the Congolese government, segments of the opposition, and religious leaders, delaying the launch of the dialogue.

Peace that is verifiable on the ground

Addressing the summit, President Tshisekedi framed the crisis in eastern DRC as a critical test for Africa and the international community. He condemned armed group violence, mass displacement, human rights abuses, foreign interference, and illegal exploitation of natural resources.

He reiterated support for the Washington and Doha processes while emphasizing that any sustainable peace must be verifiable on the ground.

President Lourenço of Angola highlighted eastern DRC as one of the world’s most pressing conflict zones. He urged stronger commitment to negotiated solutions, adherence to international law, and diplomatic engagement, reaffirming Angola’s role in fostering African-led solutions to continental crises.

Despite multiple diplomatic initiatives—including Washington, Doha, and Angola’s inter-Congolese dialogue consultations—the security situation in eastern DRC remains dire, with no tangible progress yet achieved on the ground.