Angolan President Lourenço Urges DRC Government and AFC/M23 to End Hostilities

Luanda, Angola - 8 January 2026: Angolan President and African Union Chairperson, João Lourenço, has called on the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) government and the AFC/M23 coalition to immediately cease hostilities and focus on a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict in eastern DRC. President Lourenço made the statement following a meeting with DRC President Félix Tshisekedi, who traveled to Luanda to discuss strategies to restore peace and security in the region. Expressing concern over the continued instability and displacement in eastern DRC, Lourenço warned that ongoing fighting is undermining international peace initiatives, including talks previously held in Washington and Doha. He urged all parties to: Cease hostilities immediately Respect existing agreements Prioritize the interests of the Congolese people Lourenço also called on the international community to support efforts aimed at stabilizing eastern DRC. Tshisekedi has requested that new peace talks bring together representatives from all Congolese groups, including the AFC/M23, with discussions to be held in Kinshasa under the facilitation of the Angolan government. According to reports, Lourenço has accepted Tshisekedi’s request, engaging with opposition figures in the DRC to prepare for the talks. Tshisekedi emphasized that the AFC/M23 must first observe a ceasefire, while the DRC government will verify compliance before formal negotiations begin. This development signals renewed efforts to restart dialogue in the eastern DRC conflict, with Angola taking a central mediation role.

Faits rapportés

Luanda, Angola - 8 January 2026: Angolan President and African Union Chairperson, João Lourenço, has called on the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) government and the AFC/M23 coalition to immediately cease hostilities and focus on a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict in eastern DRC. President Lourenço made the statement following a meeting with DRC President Félix Tshisekedi, who traveled to Luanda to discuss strategies to restore peace and security in the region. Expressing concern over the continued instability and displacement in eastern DRC, Lourenço warned that ongoing fighting is undermining international peace initiatives, including talks previously held in Washington and Doha. He urged all parties to: Cease hostilities immediately Respect existing agreements Prioritize the interests of the Congolese people Lourenço also called on the international community to support efforts aimed at stabilizing eastern DRC. Tshisekedi has requested that new peace talks bring together representatives from all Congolese groups, including the AFC/M23, with discussions to be held in Kinshasa under the facilitation of the Angolan government. According to reports, Lourenço has accepted Tshisekedi’s request, engaging with opposition figures in the DRC to prepare for the talks. Tshisekedi emphasized that the AFC/M23 must first observe a ceasefire, while the DRC government will verify compliance before formal negotiations begin. This development signals renewed efforts to restart dialogue in the eastern DRC conflict, with Angola taking a central mediation role.