MWE Correspondent
The President of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Félix Tshisekedi, on Monday undertook a one-day working visit to Luanda, where he held high-level talks with Angolan President João Lourenço, who is set to step down in the coming days as Chairperson of the African Union.
The visit comes at a critical time as African leaders intensify diplomatic engagement to address persistent security and political challenges across the continent.
The discussions focused largely on peace and security issues in Central and Southern Africa, with particular attention on the long-running instability in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Armed conflict in the region has continued to displace civilians, disrupt livelihoods, and strain relations between neighboring states. Angola has emerged as a central diplomatic actor in regional mediation efforts, positioning itself as a bridge between conflicting parties.
President Lourenço’s tenure as Chairperson of the African Union has elevated Angola’s role in continental diplomacy, especially in conflict prevention and mediation. During his leadership, the African Union placed renewed emphasis on African-led solutions, dialogue, and institutional reforms aimed at strengthening peace and security mechanisms across member states.
Diplomatic sources indicate that the Luanda meeting also reviewed progress in regional peace initiatives involving the Democratic Republic of Congo and its neighbors. Angola has previously hosted dialogue sessions aimed at easing tensions in the Great Lakes region, where political mistrust and armed violence have complicated diplomatic relations.
Analysts say President João Lourenço has played a personal role in reinforcing Angola’s image as a neutral and credible mediator in African affairs.
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President Tshisekedi has repeatedly called for collective regional action to address insecurity in eastern Congo, stressing that lasting peace cannot be achieved through isolated national efforts. The Democratic Republic of Congo, endowed with vast natural resources and occupying a strategic position in Central Africa, remains pivotal to the stability of the wider region. Continued violence in its eastern provinces has drawn concern from regional organizations and international partners alike.
Beyond security matters, the two leaders are also understood to have discussed economic cooperation, infrastructure development, and cross-border trade. Angola and the Democratic Republic of Congo share significant economic interests, particularly in energy and transport networks that link Central Africa with Southern African markets. Strengthening these ties is viewed as a key component of long-term regional stability and development.
Observers note that President Tshisekedi’s visit carries added significance as it comes shortly before President Lourenço concludes his term as African Union Chairperson. The timing allows for final consultations on regional priorities and underscores Kinshasa’s commitment to remaining actively engaged in continental diplomacy.
As the security and political situation in eastern Congo continues to evolve, regional engagements such as the Luanda talks are expected to play a decisive role in shaping future diplomatic efforts. Whether these initiatives will translate into tangible improvements on the ground remains a key test for African leadership and cooperation.
