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 (DRC). The two leaders held a private meeting ahead of the regional summit.

This meeting follows Angola’s ongoing consultations as part of its mandate to facilitate an inter-Congolese dialogue. In May, envoys from Félix Tshisekedi traveled to Luanda to receive Angola’s position on the matter.

Angolan officials report having engaged with various Congolese stakeholders and presented President Tshisekedi with a roadmap and reference framework to guide the inter-Congolese dialogue.

However, deep divisions persist between the Congolese government, segments of the opposition, and the country’s churches. As a result, the long-awaited dialogue has yet to be convened.

Peace that is ‘verifiable on the ground’

Addressing the summit, Félix Tshisekedi framed the crisis in eastern DRC as ‘a test for Africa and the international community.’ He highlighted the violence by armed groups, mass displacement, human rights abuses, foreign interference, and the illicit exploitation of natural resources plaguing the region.

While reaffirming his support for both the Washington and Doha processes, the Congolese president emphasized that lasting peace must be ‘verifiable on the ground.’

João Lourenço, for his part, underscored the severity of the conflict in eastern DRC, describing it as one of the world’s most pressing hotspots. The Angolan president called for intensified efforts toward negotiated solutions, upholding international law, and prioritizing diplomacy. He reaffirmed Angola’s dedication to finding African-led solutions to the continent’s crises.

Despite the flurry of diplomatic initiatives—including the Washington and Doha processes and Angola’s ongoing consultations for an inter-Congolese dialogue—the security situation in eastern DRC remains dire. None of these efforts have yet translated into tangible improvements on the ground.