Luanda summit: Félix Tshisekedi calls for verifiable peace in eastern DRC

During a high-level international conference in Luanda, the President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Félix Tshisekedi, delivered a powerful address highlighting the ongoing crisis in eastern DRC as a critical test for Africa and the global community. The two-day event, part of the “Call for Peace, End of Wars, and Respect for International Law” initiative organized by the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) in partnership with the Angolan government, brought together leaders to address escalating conflicts worldwide.

The DRC’s eastern regions have faced relentless violence for years, fueled by armed groups and exacerbated by illegal exploitation of natural resources. Speaking from personal experience as a leader whose nation bears the scars of prolonged conflict, President Tshisekedi emphasized the human cost of war—displaced families, violated dignity of women, massacres of communities, traumatized children, and the looting of the country’s wealth to sustain war economies.

Eastern DRC: A defining test for Africa and the world

In his address, President Tshisekedi framed the eastern DRC crisis not just as a national tragedy but as a litmus test for Africa and the international community. He underscored the gravity of the situation, marked by:

• Persistent armed group activity
• Mass displacement of civilians
• Human rights violations
• Threats to territorial integrity
• Foreign interference

« This reality is not merely a national ordeal. It is a test—both for our region, for Africa, and for the international community, » he declared.

He reaffirmed the DRC’s commitment to diplomatic efforts, including the Washington and Doha processes supported by the African Union, while stressing that peace must be more than a promise—it must be verifiable on the ground.

Peace must be tangible, not theoretical

President Tshisekedi called for concrete action, warning that a durable peace in eastern DRC requires:

• Restoration of state authority
• Protection of civilian populations
• Safe, dignified return of displaced persons and refugees
• Pathways to justice, reparations, and reconciliation
• An end to impunity and economic circuits fueling war

« Peace cannot remain a suspended promise, » he asserted. « It must be verifiable on the ground. It must restore the authority of the State. It must protect civilians without compromise. It must enable the dignified, voluntary, and secure return of the displaced. »

He also criticized the selective application of international law, emphasizing that sovereignty cannot be invoked in some crises while being diluted in others.

A call for renewed commitment

The DRC President urged a renewed global commitment to prioritize humanity in peace efforts, urging leaders to act with responsibility, uphold the rule of law, and reject indifference, force, propaganda, and impunity. He framed the 80th anniversary of the United Nations Charter as a moment to reaffirm its promise: to shield future generations from the scourge of war.

« If we truly wish to end wars, we must begin by restoring the strength of international law. If we wish to defend international law, we must apply it consistently—without selectivity or complacency, » he said.

The summit in Luanda served as a platform for President Tshisekedi to advocate for a more just, secure, and peaceful international order—one where the suffering of the Congolese people is not met with empty declarations but with decisive action.