João Lourenço calls for unity and dialogue to consolidate peace in Africa

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Johannesburg, South Africa – As Africa marks Peace and Reconciliation Day on 31 January, Angola’s President João Lourenço has addressed Africans, urging unity, stability, and dialogue as key tools for the continent’s development.

AfricaHeadline Reports Team
editorial@dw-demosnewstaion.online 

Speaking in his capacity as the African Union’s Champion for Peace and Reconciliation in Africa, Lourenço noted that despite progress since the era of self-determination, the continent continues to face serious challenges, particularly armed conflicts and political instability.

“We continue to witness, with great sadness, a dangerous tendency to disregard the values of African brotherhood and solidarity, creating factors of instability and insecurity,” the Angolan head of state remarked, stressing that the lack of dialogue fuels humanitarian crises, exacerbating poverty and worsening the plight of displaced persons and refugees.

Lourenço emphasised the need for a more unified and decisive approach to conflicts affecting countries such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Sudan, and the Sahel region. “I urge leaders who have direct or indirect influence to work towards peace and reconciliation in Africa, prioritising dialogue as the best means of resolving differences,” he stated.

The President highlighted the importance of engaging young people and women in peacebuilding and national reconciliation efforts, underscoring that Africa’s economic strength and social stability depend on the consolidation of peace. “We must harness all our material, intellectual, and spiritual resources for peace and reconciliation, fostering the economic and social development of our nations and the continent as a whole,” he added.

Concluding his message, João Lourenço reiterated that Africa can only achieve true independence and international respect when internal conflicts cease, paving the way for sustainable progress in all sectors. “Long live a peaceful and reconciled Africa!” he declared.