Luanda summit: Félix Tshisekedi calls for verifiable peace in eastern DRC

The international peace initiative held in Luanda on July 16-17, 2026, brought together global leaders to address the escalating crises threatening human security and international law. Organized by the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) in partnership with the Angolan government, this gathering marked the third edition of a forum dedicated to ending wars and upholding the UN Charter.

The summit’s third chapter focused on the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where decades of conflict have left millions displaced and communities traumatized. Félix Tshisekedi, President of the DRC, delivered a powerful address, framing the crisis in eastern DRC as a critical test for Africa and the global community.

DRC’s suffering and the international response

Tshisekedi did not mince words as he described the toll of war on his nation. His speech highlighted the humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in the eastern provinces, where armed groups continue to destabilize the region:

« My country knows the price of war. It knows the pain of displaced families, the fear of trapped populations, the suffering of women subjected to grave violations, the grief of massacred communities, and the trauma of children robbed of education, safety, and hope. It also knows the cost of illicit resource exploitation, where the wealth of a nation—meant to fuel development—instead fuels war economies. »

The President emphasized that the crisis is not merely a national tragedy but a regional and global challenge. He pointed to the mass displacement of civilians, human rights abuses, threats to territorial integrity, and foreign interference as key obstacles to lasting peace.

Diplomatic efforts and the call for action

While acknowledging ongoing diplomatic initiatives—such as the Washington and Doha processes, supported by the African Union—Tshisekedi stressed that peace must be more than empty promises. He insisted on the need for concrete, verifiable actions on the ground:

« Peace cannot remain a suspended promise. It must be tangible, verifiable on the ground, and must restore state authority, protect civilians, enable the dignified and secure return of displaced persons, and pave the way for 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. »

Tshisekedi also underscored the importance of preventing conflicts before they escalate, protecting civilians unconditionally, supporting credible mediation, and combating impunity. He called for an end to foreign support for armed groups, mercenary activities, and economic circuits fueling war.

A plea for human-centered peace

The DRC President urged leaders to prioritize responsibility over indifference, justice over impunity, and truth over propaganda. He framed the summit’s mission within the context of the 80th anniversary of the UN Charter, urging the international community to honor its legacy by taking decisive action:

« At a time when we commemorate 80 years since the UN Charter entered into force, our responsibility is not just to celebrate its heritage but to make its promise a reality. This promise—to shield future generations from the scourge of war—remains as urgent as ever. It demands courage, consistency, and unwavering commitment. Only then can we replace the law of the strongest with a just, secure, and peaceful international order. »

Challenges on the ground

Despite diplomatic efforts, the security situation in eastern DRC continues to deteriorate. Negotiations between Kinshasa and the M23/ADC have yielded little progress, and previous agreements—such as the Washington Accord—remain largely unimplemented. The lack of progress has left civilians in a state of perpetual vulnerability, with humanitarian access frequently disrupted.

The Luanda summit concluded with a renewed call for sustained international engagement, emphasizing that peace in the DRC is not just a Congolese issue—it is a test for the world.

Illustrative photo: Félix Tshisekedi addressing delegates at the Luanda summit on July 16, 2026.