On Monday March 10, Angolan President João Lourenço met with a delegation of religious leaders from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to discuss the ongoing conflict in the region. The delegation, led by Monsignor Fulgence Muteba, President of the National Episcopal Conference of the DRC, sought Lourenço’s insights on finding peaceful solutions for the escalating violence, which has significantly threatened the stability of the region.
Lourenço, also serving as the Chairperson of the African Union, has played a pivotal role in peace efforts, particularly mediating tensions between the DRC and Rwanda.
The religious leaders expressed their appreciation for Lourenço’s leadership, acknowledging his potential to influence the peace process and help resolve the humanitarian crisis caused by the violence. Reverend Eric Nsenga, the spokesperson for the delegation, highlighted the importance of Lourenço’s support in implementing the peace initiatives led by the churches in the DRC. The ongoing conflict, exacerbated by the activities of the M23 rebel group, has led to thousands of deaths and displaced many people, worsening the already dire humanitarian conditions in the DRC.
The situation in the DRC has become increasingly unstable, with the M23 rebels capturing key cities, including Goma and Bukavu, in early 2025. Despite these setbacks, President Lourenço assured the delegation that he would continue working towards peace, offering Angola’s assistance in the efforts to restore stability in the region. The meeting underscored the critical role of regional cooperation and the international community in achieving lasting peace and security in the DRC.