Angola's role in international security has passed through important transformation during 2025 and 2026. For almost three years, Luanda was standing at centre of international efforts to bring peace to eastern DRC. Now country is changing its position — but is not leaving security agenda behind.
After leading peace process for nearly three years, Angolan President João Lourenço stepped aside as mediator on March 24, 2025, announcing that he needs to concentrate on his new responsibilities as chairman of African Union. Angola's withdrawal came after last attempt to organise direct negotiations between M23 rebels and Congolese government — meeting was planned for March 18 in Luanda — collapsed at final moment when rebel side refused to participate, pointing to European Union sanctions imposed on number of their senior commanders.
Stepping down from mediator role did not mean full exit from DRC security file. Congolese President Tshisekedi visited Angola several times during 2026, holding meetings with Lourenço as part of what diplomatic observers describe as effort to bring Angola back into active mediation.
Angola holds chairmanship of African Union in 2025 and remains member of AU Peace and Security Council until 2026. President Lourenço has publicly stated that Angola's participation in these structures carries special importance, given country's historical commitment to questions of African stability and peace.
In September 2025, Lourenço spoke at UN General Assembly summit dedicated to reform of UN Security Council, calling for correction of historical injustices and arguing for stronger African voice in global security decision-making.
Angola's security diplomacy is no longer concentrated on single conflict. As AU chairman, Lourenço now carries responsibility for continental security agenda as whole — from Sudan to Mozambique to Sahel region.
