President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) touched down in Luanda, Angola, today, July 16, 2026, at the invitation of Angolan counterpart João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço. The high-profile visit comes ahead of the third edition of the global initiative ‘A Call for Peace: Ending Wars and Upholding International Law’, a gathering where African leaders, United Nations officials, religious figures, academics, and youth representatives will converge to address critical peace and security challenges.

The two-day summit, hosted by Angola’s government in partnership with the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC), seeks to reaffirm commitments to conflict prevention, post-conflict reconciliation, and sustainable peacebuilding. The DRC delegation is expected to underscore the urgency of translating peace commitments into tangible, measurable actions across the continent.

In a one-on-one meeting held earlier in the day, President Tshisekedi and President Lourenço reviewed bilateral cooperation between their nations. They also assessed security dynamics in eastern DRC, where ongoing instability continues to pose regional challenges.

DRC takes UN Security Council helm amid global tensions

With the DRC assuming the rotating presidency of the United Nations Security Council on July 1, 2026, this summit takes on added significance. The session occurs at a time of global upheaval, where eroding trust in multilateral institutions demands renewed diplomatic vigor and adherence to international law.

Peace, women, youth and sports in focus

The Luanda summit is not just about high-level dialogue. It also highlights the pivotal roles of women, young leaders, and sports in fostering inclusive peace. Discussions will explore how grassroots initiatives, education, and community engagement can help dismantle cycles of violence and build resilient societies.

The event runs from July 16 to 17, 2026, and aims to deliver a renewed framework for global peace efforts—one rooted in accountability, partnership, and shared responsibility.

By Boureima Amadou — Reporter