Lagos, Nigeria – The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) remains the epicentre of one of the most complex and devastating conflicts in modern history, resulting in millions of deaths and mass displacement. Since the 1990s, the country has been marked by wars intertwined with regional disputes, resource exploitation, and ethnic rivalries. In recent years, Angola, under the leadership of President João Lourenço, has emerged as a crucial mediator in stabilising the DRC and fostering peace in the region.
The dynamics of the conflict
Since the onset of wars in the DRC between 1996 and 1997, and later from 1998 to 2003, an estimated 5.4 million peoplehave died, according to the International Rescue Committee (IRC). This figure makes the conflict in the DRC the deadliest since the Second World War.
Today, violence in the country’s eastern regions continues to claim lives, with over 1,200 civilians killed in 2023 in attacks carried out by armed groups.
In recent years, Angola has played a fundamental role in efforts to stabilise the DRC. President João Lourenço was appointed by the African Union (AU) as a regional mediator due to his ability to engage with leaders such as Félix Tshisekedi (DRC) and Paul Kagame (Rwanda).
In 2022, Lourenço led negotiations that culminated in the Luanda Agreement, focused on de-escalating tensions between Rwanda and the DRC, establishing an initial ceasefire and reinforcing commitments to regional security.
The Angolan government has also pushed for the inclusion of humanitarian concerns in these dialogues. In 2024, Angola, in partnership with SADC (the Southern African Development Community), financially supported the construction of reception centres for internally displaced persons in the DRC, benefiting approximately 100,000 refugees.
Rwanda’s role in the DRC Conflict
Rwanda has played a pivotal yet controversial role in the conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), often oscillating between claims of ensuring regional security and accusations of fuelling instability.
Under the leadership of President Paul Kagame, Rwanda has justified its involvement in the DRC by citing security concerns, particularly the presence of the Forces Démocratiques de Libération du Rwanda (FDLR), a rebel group composed largely of individuals linked to the 1994 Rwandan genocide.
Kigali argues that its incursions into the DRC are aimed at neutralising these forces and preventing cross-border attacks. However, critics and international observers contend that Rwanda’s actions often extend beyond security interests, involving the exploitation of the DRC’s vast mineral resources.
Reports from the United Nations and independent organisations have repeatedly accused Rwanda of backing armed groups such as the M23, a rebel faction that has been responsible for significant violence in North Kivu. In 2023, a UN panel of experts highlighted evidence of Rwandan support for the M23, including the provision of arms and logistical aid, allegations that Kigali continues to deny.
The resurgence of the M23 has escalated tensions between Rwanda and the DRC, with Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi accusing Rwanda of undermining peace efforts in the region. These allegations have strained diplomatic relations and drawn criticism from regional bodies such as the African Union.
Economically, Rwanda’s involvement in the DRC is tied to the illicit exploitation of minerals such as coltan, gold, and tin. A 2022 UN report estimated that minerals worth over $400 million annually are smuggled from the DRC into Rwanda, where they are processed and exported. These activities have deepened mistrust between the two nations and complicated efforts to achieve lasting peace.
Despite these controversies, Rwanda remains a critical player in the Great Lakes region, and its cooperation is considered essential for any sustainable resolution to the conflict. International mediators, including Angola’s President João Lourenço, have sought to engage Kigali in dialogue, recognising that addressing Rwanda’s security concerns while curbing its interference in the DRC is vital for regional stability.
Angola’s role and João Lourenço’s mediation
Angola’s geopolitical position and its experience in resolving regional conflicts have been pivotal in pursuing peace in the DRC. Since 2018, João Lourenço has adopted a proactive approach to stabilise the Great Lakes region, which includes the DRC, Rwanda, Burundi, and Uganda. This strategy reflects Angola’s commitment to regional peace and the recognition that stability in the DRC is vital for Angola’s border security and the economic integration of Southern Africa.
In November 2022, Lourenço convened regional leaders at the Luanda Summit, where he successfully brought Félix Tshisekedi and Paul Kagame together for direct dialogue—a rare achievement given the mutual accusations between the two governments. The summit led to the creation of a regional force under SADC, with Angola committing 1,200 troopsto support peacekeeping operations in North Kivu, the most conflict-affected area.
Furthermore, João Lourenço has worked to strengthen the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR), promoting a multilateral approach that involves all stakeholders in the conflict. Lourenço has consistently emphasised the need for a lasting solution based on the disarmament of armed groups, economic reconstruction, and justice for victims of atrocities.
The fight for natural resources and Angola’s involvement
The DRC’s natural resources, such as cobalt, coltan, and gold, are critical to the global economy but also fuel the ongoing conflict. It is estimated that the illegal mining of these resources generates around $400 million annually for armed groups. As one of the world’s leading diamond exporters, Angola has advocated for stricter mechanisms to track and certify the origin of minerals to combat illicit trade in the region.
Under João Lourenço’s leadership, Angola supported the creation of a regional monitoring mechanism in 2023 to trace the origin of critical minerals like coltan. This effort is coordinated by the ICGLR, with technical support from international partners, including the European Union. Additionally, Lourenço has pushed for multinational companies operating in the DRC to be more transparent and accountable in adhering to environmental and human rights standards.
In 2024, Angola actively participated in the Forum on Natural Resources and Conflicts in Central Africa, held in Kinshasa. During the event, Angola’s Minister of Mineral Resources highlighted that the DRC’s stability is a prerequisite for sustainable economic growth in the region and committed $50 million to regional development initiatives.
Peacekeeping interventions
Since 1999, the United Nations mission in the DRC, known as MONUSCO, has faced significant challenges in stabilising the country. Angola, however, has acted as a direct partner to the UN, offering military and diplomatic expertise to enhance the mission’s effectiveness. In 2023, Angolan troops participated in joint operations with MONUSCO, focusing on protecting civilians in Goma and reopening humanitarian corridors.
João Lourenço’s leadership in the SADC Regional Force was instrumental in curbing the advance of the M23 rebel group. With Angolan support, regional forces reclaimed several strategic areas in North Kivu in 2023, enabling the return of more than 20,000 displaced persons to their villages. Lourenço has argued that peacekeeping missions must be complemented by substantial investments in infrastructure and agricultural projects to ensure livelihoods for local communities.
Additionally, Angola has leveraged its position on the African Union Peace and Security Council to advocate for increased funding for African-led peace initiatives. Lourenço stated in a speech in Addis Ababa that “peace in the DRC is not merely a regional concern but a continental imperative requiring Africa’s solidarity.”
The current situation and Angola’s future role
In 2024, the situation in the DRC remains critical, with over 5.6 million internally displaced people, according to the UNHCR. However, peace initiatives led by Angola have shown progress. The Luanda Agreement, combined with the presence of regional troops, has significantly reduced attacks in North Kivu and strengthened trust between Rwanda and the DRC.
João Lourenço has stressed the importance of an integrated plan that combines security, economic development, and social justice. In 2023, Angola launched a joint initiative with the DRC to establish a cross-border economic zone, focusing on mineral processing and job creation for young people. This pilot project, valued at $200 million, is partially funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB).
Under João Lourenço’s leadership, Angola has established itself as an indispensable mediator in resolving the conflict in the DRC.
The Angolan president’s firm and strategic stance not only reinforces the country’s role as a regional leader but also demonstrates a commitment to peace and stability across the African continent. Lourenço’s vision combines diplomacy, security, and development, offering a promising pathway to transform the “heart of Africa” into a model of reconstruction and prosperity.
Angola’s influence extends beyond its immediate diplomatic interventions. Lourenço has worked to position Angola as a key player in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), leveraging regional stability as a cornerstone for economic integration.
By aligning Angola’s mediation efforts with broader goals of trade and development, Lourenço is promoting the DRC as a potential hub for regional commerce once security challenges are resolved. This dual focus on peace and economic opportunity reflects a pragmatic approach that seeks to align humanitarian objectives with long-term prosperity.
Moreover, Angola’s initiatives are beginning to resonate internationally, with key partners such as the European Unionand United States acknowledging Lourenço’s leadership in stabilising the Great Lakes region. In 2024, Angola co-hosted a high-level conference in Luanda, gathering African and global leaders to discuss strategies for sustainable peace in the DRC.
This event not only reinforced Angola’s diplomatic standing but also secured commitments of over $500 million in international aid for reconstruction projects in the eastern DRC, underscoring Lourenço’s ability to mobilise global support for regional challenges.
