President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) touched down in Luanda, Angola, on 16 July 2026, at the invitation of his counterpart, President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço. The visit coincides with the third edition of the global initiative “A Call for Peace: Ending Wars and Upholding International Law.”

The high-level gathering convenes heads of state, African Union leaders, United Nations representatives, religious figures, academic experts, and youth delegates to address international peace and security. Key themes include conflict prevention, reconciliation, and the strengthening of sustainable peace frameworks.

Concrete actions over empty promises

The DRC delegation is using this platform to emphasize that peace must move beyond rhetoric and translate into tangible, measurable outcomes. The country’s participation reflects its commitment to ensuring that global commitments are not just declarations but actions that deliver real results.

Bilateral talks on regional security

Before the summit’s formal sessions, President Tshisekedi held a private meeting with President Lourenço to discuss bilateral cooperation between the two nations. They also reviewed the ongoing security challenges in eastern DRC, where persistent instability continues to threaten regional stability.

The DRC currently holds the rotating presidency of the United Nations Security Council, a role it assumed on 1 July 2026. This position comes at a critical juncture, as the world faces an escalation of crises and a growing need to restore trust in the foundational principles of international cooperation.

The Luanda summit, running from 16 to 17 July 2026, is co-organized by the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) and the Angolan government. Its mission is to advance peaceful conflict resolution while highlighting the pivotal roles of women, youth, and sports in fostering long-term peace.