Angola has announced its withdrawal as a mediator in the escalating conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The Angolan presidency confirmed on Monday that another African nation will soon take over mediation efforts to restart peace talks.
M23 Gains and Rising Tensions
The M23, an ethnic Tutsi-led rebel group, has intensified its offensive this year. Since January, the group has captured two of eastern Congo’s largest cities and advanced into mineral-rich areas. These regions hold valuable resources such as gold and tantalum.
The crisis has further strained relations between Congo and Rwanda. Kinshasa accuses Kigali of backing the rebels, a claim Rwanda denies. Despite these denials, international reports suggest Rwandan involvement, adding to the tension.
Angola’s Mediation Efforts Collapse
As Chair of the African Union (AU), Angolan President João Lourenço led peace efforts between Congo and Rwanda. His mediation aimed to stabilize the Great Lakes region and reduce hostilities.
A breakthrough seemed possible last week when Congolese officials and M23 representatives planned to meet in Luanda, Angola’s capital. This would have marked a shift, as President Félix Tshisekedi had long refused to engage with the rebels. However, M23 pulled out of the talks at the last minute. The withdrawal came after the European Union imposed sanctions on both the group and Rwandan officials.
Following this setback, Angola announced its decision to step down as mediator. The presidency cited the need to “free itself” from the responsibility to focus on broader AU priorities. A new mediator will be appointed in the coming days.
Regional Leaders Push for New Solutions
The crisis in eastern Congo stems from long-standing tensions linked to the fallout from Rwanda’s 1994 genocide and disputes over mineral resources. Despite multiple ceasefires, international sanctions, and regional summits, a lasting solution has remained elusive.
To address the situation, leaders from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the East African Community (EAC) will hold a virtual summit on Monday. Kenyan President William Ruto and Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa will co-chair the meeting. Discussions will focus on regional security and potential strategies to resolve the crisis.
M23 Defies Ceasefire Call, Raises Concerns
Despite calls for peace, M23 rejected a recent joint appeal from Congo and Rwanda for an immediate ceasefire. The group insists that only direct negotiations with Kinshasa can end the conflict.
Over the weekend, M23 announced plans to withdraw from the town of Walikale as a sign of goodwill. In response, Congo’s army promised to observe the withdrawal and refrain from launching offensives.
However, reports from civil society groups and residents in Walikale on Monday revealed that M23 fighters remained in the town. This raised doubts about the rebels’ commitment to their pledge.
As regional leaders push for renewed dialogue, uncertainty lingers over whether new mediation efforts will succeed where previous attempts failed.