Angolan President, João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in recognition of his significant contributions to peace and stability across Africa.
The nomination, submitted by respected Angolan academic and international policy analyst, Afonso Botáz, highlights Lourenço’s effective diplomacy in mediating regional conflicts and his commitment to national reconciliation and justice.
In his submission, Botáz commended the President ‘firm commitment to resolving regional conflicts on the African continent, based on the principle of peace’. This, he explained, has been particularly evident in his role as the African Union (AU) Champion for Peace and Reconciliation.
Lourenço’s diplomacy has been instrumental in de-escalating tensions and fostering dialogue between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda, preventing a near-certain slide into confrontation. His steady mediation has also been crucial in stabilising the Central African Republic, where he coordinated with continental partners to avert a deeper political crisis.
In his nomination letter, Botáz said: ‘President Lourenço’s brand of diplomacy rests on dialogue and respect for the sovereignty of other States .His work reinforces a deep commitment to the pacification of regional conflicts. It is a quiet, effective diplomacy that builds calm step-by-step rather than through mere ceremony’.
The nomination also cites Lourenço’s domestic agenda, which has prioritised national reconciliation, institutional repair, and historical justice, including advocacy for reparations for African people. According to Botáz, these efforts have been vital in ‘restoring confidence in state institutions’ and have provided the foundation for Angola’s credible and respected voice on the international stage.
‘If the Nobel Peace Prize is meant to reward the dedicated practice of peace, then President Lourenço’s record presents the kind of steady, trusted leadership that the continent and the world benefit from’, Botáz further said.
Inaugurated on 26 September 2017, Lourenço is the third President of the Republic of Angola.
A former Minister of Defence, his presidency has focused on economic reform, strengthening democratic institutions, and positioning Angola as a key diplomatic force for peace and security in Africa.
