Under President João Lourenço’s leadership, Angola has assumed a pivotal role as mediator in the conflict between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda, working to foster a peaceful resolution to the ongoing tensions between the two nations.
On Monday, December 16, in Luanda, President Lourenço declared that addressing Sudan’s crisis will be his “top priority” when he assumes the presidency of the African Union (AU) in February 2025. Speaking as leader of the ruling Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA), Lourenço reaffirmed his commitment to tackling conflicts across Africa, with particular focus on the Great Lakes region, where Angola has emerged as a key diplomatic actor.
Highlighting the conflict between the DRC and Rwanda, Lourenço stressed its destabilizing effects on the region, which boasts vast mineral wealth. “This conflict undermines economic and social progress in countries that could otherwise thrive in a peaceful environment,” he remarked. Angola remains engaged in diplomatic efforts to encourage dialogue and reconciliation between the two states.
However, recent mediation efforts faced hurdles. The Luanda Tripartite Summit, intended to bring together Angola, the DRC, and Rwanda to discuss the violence in eastern Congo, did not proceed as planned on Sunday. While DRC President Félix Tshisekedi attended, Rwandan President Paul Kagame’s absence led to the summit’s postponement.
Rwanda later cited “critical issues to be resolved” as the cause for the delay. In a statement, Kigali accused the Congolese authorities of issuing threats and emphasized the need for direct negotiations with the M23 armed group, a key point of contention in finding a political solution for eastern DRC.
Despite these setbacks, President Lourenço reiterated his dedication to advancing peace, not only in the Great Lakes but across Africa. As he prepares to take on the African Union presidency, his prioritization of Sudan—alongside ongoing regional mediation efforts—underscores Angola’s growing influence as a champion of stability and cooperation on the continent.