• Security
• Friday, July 17, 2026 – 07:37

Luanda summit: DRC president warns eastern crisis is testing Africa’s resolve

The global pursuit of peace, strict adherence to international law, and protection of civilian populations took center stage at the third edition of the international initiative ‘A Call for Peace, an End to Wars, and Respect for International Law,’ held July 16-17 in Luanda, Angola. Organized by the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) in partnership with the Angolan government, this conference builds on previous editions in Gernika, Spain, and Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, aiming to strengthen multilateral cooperation and promote peaceful solutions to conflicts affecting multiple regions worldwide.

Among the high-level delegates, Félix Tshisekedi, President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), delivered a powerful address drawing from his country’s prolonged experience with armed violence in its eastern provinces. He highlighted the devastating consequences of illicit exploitation of natural resources in conflict zones.

‘My country knows the price of war. It understands the pain of displaced families, the anxiety of populations trapped in violence, the suffering of women subjected to grave dignity violations, the grief of communities struck by massacres, and the trauma of children deprived of education, security, and a future. It also understands the consequences of illicit exploitation of natural resources—when a nation’s wealth, instead of funding development, fuels a war economy,’ declared President Tshisekedi.

Addressing the security situation in eastern DRC, the Congolese leader emphasized that his country has faced armed group activism for years. According to Tshisekedi, the crisis in eastern DRC is a ‘test’ for both the international community and Africa as a whole.

‘For years, my country has confronted a severe security and humanitarian crisis in its eastern region, marked by armed group activity, massive civilian displacement, human rights violations, threats to territorial integrity, and external interference. This is not merely a national ordeal—it is a test for our region, for Africa, and for the international community,’ he stated.

Tshisekedi reaffirmed his support for ongoing diplomatic initiatives aimed at restoring peace in eastern DRC, referencing the Washington and Doha processes supported by the African Union.

‘Nevertheless, the Democratic Republic of the Congo remains committed to dialogue. It continues to engage in regional, continental, and international diplomatic efforts. We commend peace initiatives led by the African Union, regional organizations, the United Nations, facilitating countries, and international partners. We recognize the efforts made to de-escalate tensions, achieve a cessation of hostilities, resolve disputes peacefully, and ensure sustainable stabilization in the Great Lakes region,’ Tshisekedi noted.

While acknowledging these diplomatic efforts, the security situation on the ground remains dire, with ongoing hostilities. The president stressed that lasting peace cannot be reduced to empty promises; it must be tangible and verifiable.

‘Yet peace cannot remain a suspended promise. It must translate into concrete actions. It must be verifiable on the ground. It must restore state authority, guarantee the protection of civilians, enable dignified, voluntary, and secure returns for displaced persons and refugees, and open pathways to justice, reparations, and reconciliation. The Luanda Call must not be another declaration—it must be a high-level commitment to defend international law wherever it is threatened; to prevent conflicts before they become tragedies; to protect civilians without ever relativizing their suffering; to support credible mediations and sincere political processes; to fight impunity; to defend the rights of societies, even when crimes occur beyond the public eye; to cut off the economic circuits of war; and to condemn interference, support for armed groups, mercenary activities, and all forms of state destabilization,’ he emphasized.

Tshisekedi called for renewed commitment to place human dignity at the heart of peacebuilding efforts. He asserted that people do not merely want words—they demand action. They expect leaders to prioritize responsibility over indifference, law over force, truth over propaganda, justice over impunity, and peace over resignation.

‘As we mark the 80th anniversary of the entry into force of the United Nations Charter, our responsibility is not only to celebrate its legacy—it is to make its promise a reality. This promise is simple yet profound: to spare future generations the scourge of war. It remains as relevant today as ever. It obliges us. If we truly seek to end wars, we must begin by restoring the strength of international law. If we truly aim to defend international law, we must apply it consistently, without selectivity or complacency. If we truly wish to protect future generations, we must act now, with courage. Only then will we weaken the law of the strongest. Only then will we leave future generations a more just, secure, and peaceful international order,’ concluded President Tshisekedi.

The president’s remarks come as the security and humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate in eastern DRC despite the Washington and Doha peace agreements. Negotiations between Kinshasa and the AFC/M23 have failed to bridge positions, and commitments remain largely unimplemented. Despite calls for compliance, persistent divergences and lack of implementation continue to hinder efforts toward sustainable peace.