Angola is dedicated to preventing and resolving conflicts in Africa through diplomatic efforts in collaboration with international and regional partners, President João Lourenço stated on Friday.
Speaking at the High-Level Forum of Women of the Great Lakes Region in Luanda, President Lourenço emphasized Angola’s commitment to fostering peace, security, and development in Africa, particularly in conflict-affected nations like the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Sudan. He highlighted the critical role women play in peace-building, stressing their involvement is essential to resolving conflicts and promoting reconciliation.
Lourenço also drew from Angola’s own experience in achieving peace after years of armed conflict, noting the significant contribution of women at every stage of the peace process. He praised the courage of women who have taken on leadership roles in negotiating peace, rebuilding communities, and addressing the aftermath of war.
However, Lourenço lamented the underrepresentation of women in formal peace processes and conflict resolution, calling for increased efforts to remove barriers that hinder their participation. He underscored the importance of women as caregivers, educators, and community leaders, who often take the lead in local peace initiatives and act as mediators between conflicting parties.
The forum, running until Saturday in Luanda, focuses on the ongoing crises in the region, with a particular emphasis on the DRC. Organized under the theme “Strengthening Women’s Participation and Leadership in Peace and Security Processes in the Great Lakes Region,” the event aims to promote dialogue and cooperation to advance the “Women, Peace and Security Agenda,” incorporating gender perspectives into regional policies and programs.