Luanda: Angolan Head of State and chairperson of the African Union, Joo Louren§o, on Thursday called for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), a region troubled by worsening security and humanitarian conditions. In Luanda, Louren§o met with DRC President F©lix Tshisekedi to address the escalating crisis and the threats it poses to international peace efforts.

According to Angola Press News Agency, Louren§o emphasized the significance of the United Nations Security Council’s involvement as “the only way” to mitigate the ongoing tensions between the DRC and Rwanda. He highlighted UN Security Council Resolution 2773, alongside the Washington and Doha processes, as vital components in the pursuit of regional stability.

During discussions, Louren§o urged the DRC and Rwandan governments, as well as the M23, to adhere to existing agreements and prioritize peaceful conflict resolution to safeguard civilian interests. He also called for increased international collaboration to restore peace in the DRC.

The meeting lasted approximately half an hour, during which the two leaders assessed the persistent violence in the DRC despite a peace agreement signed in Washington, D.C., last year. Sponsored by former US President Donald Trump, the Washington Agreement-2025 aims to resolve the conflict and ensure the withdrawal of Rwandan troops from Congolese territory.

However, the situation remains unstable on the ground, with M23 forces advancing and capturing strategic locations, including Uvira in South Kivu province. These actions have led to clashes, urban unrest, and large-scale civilian displacement, worsening the humanitarian crisis.

Internationally, the United States has expressed concerns over Rwanda’s alleged agreement violations. U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, have warned against Kigali’s actions in eastern DRC, emphasizing that continued support for armed groups could prompt additional diplomatic measures.