Angolan President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize for his role in promoting peace and reconciliation across Africa.
The nomination was submitted by Angolan academic and international policy analyst Afonso Botáz, who praised the president’s approach to diplomacy and conflict resolution. In his letter, Botáz highlighted Lourenço’s record as African Union (AU) Champion for Peace and Reconciliation, noting his “firm commitment to resolving regional conflicts on the African continent, based on the principle of peace.”
Lourenço has played a central role in easing tensions between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda, helping to avert a direct confrontation. He has also been involved in stabilisation efforts in the Central African Republic, where coordinated diplomacy with regional partners helped to prevent a deeper political crisis.
According to Botáz, “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 drew attention to Lourenço’s domestic policies, particularly efforts to advance national reconciliation and institutional reform. His initiatives include addressing historical injustices and advocating for reparations for African people, which Botáz described as crucial in “restoring confidence in state institutions.”
Botáz concluded that “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.”
Lourenço, who became Angola’s third president on 26 September 2017, has also prioritised economic reform and democratic consolidation while positioning Angola as a credible voice in African and international diplomacy.
