### Diligent diplomacy of Angola: towards a sustainable appeasement in the DRC?
On March 7, Félix Tshisekedi, the President of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), took the direction of Luanda for a crucial meeting with his Angolan counterpart, João Lourenço. This interview is not only a simple diplomatic formality; It is emblematic of prolonged efforts to resolve a conflict that ravages the east of the DRC and threatens regional stability. The gaze on this question should not be limited to conventional geopolitical considerations, but integrate a more nuanced analysis of the socio-economic impacts of war, both for the DRC and for the Central African region as a whole.
#### The challenges of a successful mediation
At the heart of dialogue, Angolan mediation has the key to guarantee lasting peace. This is not the first time that a neighboring country has played the role of facilitator in a Congolese crisis. Historically, the interventions of Zimbabwe and Uganda in the past conflicts of the DRC have not always resulted in lasting solutions, thus illustrating the complexity of the challenges at stake. Indeed, while Angola seeks to establish constructive links with the rebellious M23 movement, it is essential to recognize that military or coercive solutions have often exacerbated tensions instead.
From a statistical point of view, prolonged conflicts in the region have reduced local savings, with losses estimated at several billion dollars due to instability. The World Bank had estimated that conflicts in the DRC cost the economy about 5.3% of GDP per year, an amount that illustrates the need for a return to peace. By facilitating a direct dialogue, Angola could potentially avoid these cyclical economic losses and lay the foundations for a regional economic recovery that would benefit everyone, including in Kinshasa.
### traditional media vs. New Age: the role of social networks
Another angle to consider is the growing influence of social networks and new information platforms, such as Fatshimetrie.org. The real -time coverage of negotiations and events on the ground has redefined the way in which the populations understand and engage in the dynamics of this conflict. In this context, transparency and access to information can play a catalyst role. By allowing the Congolese, but also to the populations of neighboring countries, to express their concerns and hopes, we open a space for a mutual understanding, going beyond the often biased narrations of the traditional media.
### inclusion and representativeness: the key to sustainable peace
It is imperative that negotiations not only include political elites, but also the votes of affected communities, often victims of conflicts. According to studies carried out by NGOs operating in the field, around 70% of Congolese living in the conflict zone express an urgent need for human rights solutions and the integration of young people in the peace process. This inclusion could solidly dismantle the feelings of distrust towards classic peace agreements, often perceived as summit solutions which do not respond to the daily reality of the Congolese.
#### Conclusion: a road strewn with pitfalls
The dialogue between Tshisekedi and Lourenço could represent an unprecedented opportunity to resolve secular tensions. However, recent history has shown that promises of peace must be accompanied by a real political will and popular support. The international community, notably through the summit of the Development Community of Southern Africa (SADC), must remain engaged and guarantee that this mediation is not just a straw fire.
Thus, at the crossroads, it only remains to hope that this initiative will not only resolve the conflict to the Kivu, but also to write a new chapter for the Congo and its neighbors, based on cooperation, sustainable peace and economic development. Angolan diplomacy could thus assert itself as a model to follow for other nations confronted with similar crises, building peace on solid foundations, impregnated with the aspirations of peoples.