Regional leaders have taken new steps to resolve the ongoing conflict in eastern Congo. Southern and Eastern African blocs have expanded their mediation team, aiming to revive stalled peace talks between the Congolese government and M23 rebels.
Last week, hopes for diplomacy faded when M23 withdrew from planned negotiations in Angola. Soon after, the rebel group captured Walikale, a strategic town. The conflict, fueled by political tensions and competition for resources, has already claimed thousands of lives and displaced many more.
New Team to Lead Peace Talks
Following a high-level summit on Monday, regional blocs appointed five former leaders to guide the peace process. The team includes Nigeria’s Olusegun Obasanjo, South Africa’s Kgalema Motlanthe, and Ethiopia’s Sahle-Work Zewde. Their main role is to engage all parties and push for a peaceful resolution.
Congo’s presidency confirmed on X that the panel will also select a new chief mediator. Angola’s president, who previously led mediation efforts, stepped down on Monday after years of struggling to ease tensions between Rwanda and Congo.
Rwanda’s Stance and Ongoing Tensions
Rwanda, accused of supporting M23 with arms and troops, welcomed the summit’s outcomes. In a statement on X, Kigali emphasized the need for a political solution that considers security concerns on all sides. However, Congo maintains that M23 operates as Rwanda’s proxy, a claim Rwanda denies. Kigali insists its military presence in eastern Congo is for self-defense.
Surprise Qatar Meeting Raises Questions
Last week, Angola voiced frustration over an unexpected meeting in Qatar between Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame. The talks, facilitated by Qatar’s emir, were the first between the two leaders since the conflict escalated last year.
Despite a joint statement calling for an immediate ceasefire, violence continued. Shortly after, M23 withdrew from its first planned negotiations with Kinshasa. The group cited fresh European Union sanctions against rebel leaders and Rwandan officials as the reason for pulling out.
Uncertain Road to Peace
The expanded mediation team now faces the challenge of reviving stalled diplomacy. With violence persisting and regional tensions high, the success of this effort could determine the future stability of eastern Congo and the Great Lakes region.