European Union Special Representative for the Great Lakes region, Johan Borgstam, on his third mission to Angola

The EUSR's exchanges with Angolan authorities focussed on the situation in the Great Lakes region and the ongoing joint efforts to contribute to a peaceful and political solution to the conflict in eastern DRC. The EUSR also discussed the progress of the Lobito Corridor and chaired the delegation representing the European Union at the inaugural Coordination Meeting for the Lobito Corridor, held in Luanda 5 February at the request of the Governments of Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Zambia.

Throughout the mission, the EUSR highlighted the important role and tireless engagement of Angola, notably by President Lourenco, for peace and prosperity at regional level. The EU supports the Angolan efforts towards an inclusive national dialogue in the DRC, to contribute to a political and peaceful solution to the conflict in eastern DRC.

The EU reiterates the need for parties to the conflict in eastern DRC to immediately de-escalate, commit to an immediate, effective and lasting ceasefire, end the support to armed groups, refrain from any provocations and end hate speech. The EU calls for the implementation of commitments under the United Nations Security Council resolution 2773, the Washington Accords and the Doha framework agreement – including the respect of territorial integrity of the DRC, the withdrawal of Rwandan troops from Congolese territory, an end to support to M23 by the Rwandan government and the neutralization of FDLR by the DRC government.

The coordination meeting for the Lobito Corridor brought together policymakers of Angola, the DRC and Zambia and key international partners to focus on the establishment of an economically prosperous Corridor that attracts private investments, generates growth, creates jobs and enhances trade, paving the way for enhanced coordination.

For the European Union the Lobito corridor is one of its flagship projects under its Global Gateway strategy worldwide. Anchored by Angola’s port of Lobito, the Lobito Corridor is a pivotal project designed to connect the landlocked regions of Angola, DRC, and Zambia while fostering inclusive regional economic integration and sustainable development. As the first open-access transcontinental rail link in Africa, it entails a huge economic and social potential.

In application of its Global Gateway strategy, the European Union and its Member States have mobilised investments in the people and places that bring the corridor to life by supporting integrated development actions along these transport infrastructure axes, focused on five priority sectors - renewable energy and climate; minerals value chains; transit and trade facilitation; technical and vocational training and skill development; agricultural value chains - making it a comprehensive economic corridor. Total Team Europe investment mobilised in the Lobito Corridor exceeds 2 billion Euros. 

After the Lobito Corridor Coordination meeting, the European Union Special Representative Johan Borgstam declared:

   “Today in Luanda, we made great strides towards coordinating the efforts of all partners, in the region and outside the region, to make the Lobito corridor a reality, for the benefits of all the people living along its course. This is yet another evidence of the power of multilateralism in advancing the development agenda. The EU’s Global Gateway strategy stands for sustainable and trusted connections that work for people and the planet”.

 He added:

  “I would like to sincerely thank the Angolan authorities for their tireless engagement for peace and prosperity at regional and continental level. This is illustrated by the Angolan presidency of the African Union – including the successful outcome of the AU-EU summit last November in Luanda.

The important role of Angola in the region is also reflected by its engagement on the Lobito Corridor and for a peaceful solution to the conflict in eastern DRC – not least through Angola’s renewed support to an inclusive national dialogue in the DRC.

The EU remains steadfast in its support to the countries of the Great Lakes region in their efforts towards peace and prosperity. Regional economic integration has a crucial role to play in this endeavour.”