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 Congo. The two leaders held a private meeting ahead of the summit, reaffirming their commitment to peaceful resolution.

This engagement follows Angola’s ongoing consultations tasked with facilitating an inter-Congolese dialogue. In May, envoys from President Tshisekedi traveled to Luanda to align on the Angolan government’s stance regarding the crisis.

Angolan authorities report having consulted with multiple Congolese stakeholders, presenting President Tshisekedi with a roadmap and framework to guide the dialogue. However, significant divisions persist between the Congolese government, opposition factions, and religious leaders, delaying the initiation of formal talks.

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

The Congolese president reiterated his support for the Washington and Doha processes while emphasizing that sustainable peace must be “verifiable on the ground.”

João Lourenço highlighted eastern DRC as one of the world’s most pressing conflict zones, urging intensified efforts toward negotiated solutions, adherence to international law, and diplomacy. He underscored Angola’s dedication to 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 breakthroughs yet achieved.