Angola’s President João Lourenço makes new push for peace in eastern DRC

Angola’s President João Lourenço has renewed diplomatic efforts aimed at easing the long-running conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where fighting—especially involving the M23 rebel group—has escalated regional tensions.

Angola steps up mediation role

President Lourenço, who has previously acted as a regional mediator, is again pushing for dialogue between the DRC government and armed groups operating in the country’s east. The new initiative seeks to revive stalled negotiations and encourage a ceasefire, amid fears that the conflict could destabilize the wider Great Lakes region.

Angola has hosted or facilitated several rounds of talks in recent years under regional frameworks, positioning itself as a key diplomatic broker between Kinshasa and neighboring countries accused of involvement in the conflict.

Focus on eastern DRC violence

Eastern DRC has experienced intensified clashes between government forces and rebel groups, particularly the M23, which has captured territory and displaced large numbers of civilians. The violence has worsened humanitarian conditions and heightened tensions between the DRC and Rwanda, which Kinshasa accuses of backing the rebels—an allegation Kigali denies.

Lourenço’s renewed push is intended to reduce hostilities, secure commitments to ceasefire arrangements, and reopen political dialogue as a pathway to long-term stability.

Regional stakes

The conflict has drawn significant attention from the African Union and regional blocs because instability in eastern DRC risks spilling across borders and undermining security in Central and East Africa. Angola’s mediation efforts are therefore seen as part of a broader regional strategy to prevent escalation into a wider confrontation.

Outlook: While previous peace initiatives have struggled to hold, Angola’s renewed diplomatic engagement signals continued regional determination to push rival parties toward negotiations—though lasting peace will likely depend on sustained ceasefires, trust-building, and cooperation among neighboring states.