MWE Correspondent
President Felix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is in Luanda, Angola on a crucial diplomatic mission aimed at reviving stalled peace talks to address the ongoing conflict in eastern DRC.
The visit, which began on December 14, 2025, comes amid continued instability in the region despite recent efforts to broker peace.
Upon arrival, President Tshisekedi met with Angolan President João Lourenço, with discussions focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation and tackling regional security challenges. A central point of their talks was the resumption of negotiations between the DRC government and the M23 rebel group, which has continued to seize towns and disrupt local life in eastern provinces, particularly in South Kivu.
This diplomatic mission follows a December 4, 2025 peace agreement signed in Washington, D.C., between the DRC and Rwanda under U.S.-facilitated mediation. While the agreement was designed to halt hostilities and encourage collaboration, clashes have persisted, highlighting the fragile nature of peace in the region. Reports indicate that M23 rebels have recently captured strategic towns, forcing many civilians to flee and seek refuge in neighboring countries.
Angola, which has previously played a role in facilitating regional diplomacy, is seen as a key partner in supporting negotiations and providing a neutral platform for dialogue. Analysts note that the country’s involvement is vital for fostering confidence among parties and ensuring that peace initiatives remain on track.
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Talks in Luanda also touched on humanitarian concerns, regional stability, and economic cooperation, reflecting the complex interconnections between security and development in the Great Lakes region.
Observers emphasize that the conflict in eastern DRC has deep historical roots, involving multiple armed groups and cross-border dynamics. Negotiators face the challenge of transforming diplomatic agreements into concrete reductions in violence, while addressing the urgent humanitarian needs of displaced populations. Civilian communities have suffered immensely due to ongoing clashes, highlighting the importance of sustained international attention and regional collaboration.
President Tshisekedi’s visit to Angola is therefore not only a symbolic gesture but a strategic effort to maintain dialogue, coordinate regional responses, and build momentum toward lasting peace. As the situation continues to evolve, both regional leaders and the international community are watching closely, hoping that renewed diplomacy can provide relief to affected communities and pave the way for stability in eastern Congo.
