President João Lourenço condemns escalating violence in Eastern DRC, urges immediate return to negotiations

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Luanda, Angola – President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço of Angola, acting as the Facilitator of the Great Lakes Region Peace Process, has expressed deep concern over the worsening security crisis in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), particularly in the provinces of North Kivu and South Kivu.

AfricaHeadline Reports Team
editorial@dw-demosnewstaion.online 

The resurgence of hostilities by the March 23 Movement (M23), including the unlawful occupation of the strategic towns of Sake and Minova, represents a dangerous escalation of the conflict. The siege of Goma has further exacerbated an already dire humanitarian situation, placing thousands of civilians at heightened risk.

In a strongly worded statement, President Lourenço unequivocally condemned the actions of the M23 and its backers, denouncing them as reckless and destabilising. He warned that such military offensives threaten to undo the progress made through the Luanda Process, which remains a crucial framework for peaceful resolution. The Angolan leader further stressed that these developments pose a grave risk to regional stability, undermining ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at securing a lasting settlement.

The Angolan government has called on all parties to respect human rights, ensure the protection of civilians, and guarantee the safety and security of the Ad Hoc Verification Mechanism (MAVR) personnel currently deployed in Goma as part of efforts to monitor ceasefire compliance.

President Lourenço reiterated that “the conflict and security challenges in eastern DRC have no military solution”, urging all sides to immediately return to the negotiating table. He reaffirmed Angola’s commitment to working with all stakeholders, regional actors, and international partners to restore peace and stability in the DRC.

His statement underscores Angola’s pivotal role in mediating peace efforts in the Great Lakes Region, reinforcing the importance of dialogue and adherence to existing agreements to uphold regional security and sovereignty.