The preservation of world peace, strict adherence to international law and protection of civilian populations stood at the core of the third edition of the international initiative “A Call for Peace, End to Wars and Respect for International Law,” held July 16-17 in Luanda, Angola. Organized by the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) in partnership with the Angolan government, this summit continues the dialogue launched in previous editions in Gernika, Spain, and Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina. Its primary objective is to strengthen multilateral cooperation and promote peaceful solutions to global conflicts.

Among the high-level participants addressing the gathering was Félix Tshisekedi, President of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). In a powerful address, he drew from his country’s long-standing experience with armed violence in its eastern provinces, while highlighting the devastating impact of illicit exploitation of natural resources in conflict zones.

« My country knows the price of war. It understands the anguish of displaced families, the terror of civilians trapped in violence, the suffering of women subjected to grave violations of dignity, the grief of communities devastated by massacres, and the trauma of children denied education, safety and hope. It also knows how illicit exploitation of natural wealth—when a nation’s resources are diverted from development to fuel war economies—fuels endless cycles of suffering, » declared President Tshisekedi.

Speaking specifically about the security crisis in eastern DRC, he framed the situation not merely as a national challenge but as a test for Africa and the international community.

« For many years, the eastern part of my country has faced a severe security and humanitarian crisis marked by armed group activity, massive civilian displacement, human rights violations, threats to territorial integrity, and external interference. This is not just a test for our nation—it is a litmus test for our region, for Africa, and for the global community, » he emphasized.

The Congolese leader reaffirmed his country’s commitment to diplomatic peace efforts, notably the Washington and Doha processes, both supported by the African Union. He acknowledged the value of regional, continental and international mediation while stressing that true peace must be tangible and verifiable on the ground.

« While the DRC remains dedicated to dialogue and supports all diplomatic initiatives led by the African Union, regional organizations, the United Nations, facilitator countries and international partners, we must go beyond promises. Peace must translate into concrete action. It must restore state authority, protect civilians, enable dignified, voluntary and secure returns for displaced persons and refugees, and pave the way for justice, reparations and reconciliation. The Luanda Call must not be just another declaration—it must represent the highest level of commitment: to defend international law wherever it is threatened; to prevent conflicts before they escalate into tragedies; to protect civilians without compromise; to support credible mediation and sincere political processes; to fight impunity; to defend the rights of societies even when crimes occur beyond the public eye; to dismantle war economies; and to condemn interference, support for armed groups, mercenary activities and all forms of state destabilization, » he stated.

Tshisekedi went on to urge renewed commitment to placing human dignity at the heart of all peace efforts. He insisted that people across the continent are not asking for speeches—they demand concrete decisions. They expect leaders to prioritize responsibility over indifference, law over force, truth over propaganda, justice over impunity, and peace over resignation.

« As we mark the 80th anniversary of the entry into force of the United Nations Charter, our duty is not merely to celebrate its legacy—it is to make its promise real. That promise is simple yet profound: to spare future generations the scourge of war. It has lost none of its urgency. It obliges us. If we truly wish to end wars, we must begin by restoring the primacy of international law. If we truly wish to uphold international law, we must apply it consistently, without selectivity or complacency. If we truly wish to protect future generations, we must act now—with courage. Only then will we weaken the rule of the powerful. Only then will we hand future generations a more just, safer and more peaceful world order, » concluded the DRC President.

Tshisekedi’s appeal comes at a critical juncture, as eastern DRC’s security and humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate despite the Washington Accord and the Doha Process. Negotiations between Kinshasa and the M23/AFPC have so far failed to bridge gaps, and commitments made remain largely unimplemented. Despite repeated calls for respect of agreements, persistent divergences and lack of enforcement continue to hinder progress toward sustainable peace.