Angola Steps Down as Congo Conflict Mediator

Angola announced on Monday that it will relinquish its role as mediator in the escalating conflict between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group, with another African nation expected to take over peace efforts.

The decision comes amid renewed violence in eastern Congo, where the ethnic Tutsi-led M23 rebels have intensified their offensive this year, capturing two major cities and advancing into mineral-rich territories.
As the current Chair of the African Union (AU), Angolan President João Lourenço had been leading diplomatic efforts to establish a ceasefire and ease tensions between Congo and Rwanda, which has been accused of supporting the M23 rebels—an allegation Kigali denies.

A highly anticipated direct dialogue between the Congolese government and M23 was scheduled in Luanda last week, marking a shift in stance by Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi, who had previously refused to negotiate with the rebels.
However, M23 pulled out at the last minute following fresh European Union sanctions against the group and Rwandan officials.

In a statement, Angola’s presidency cited the stalled peace talks as a factor in its decision to withdraw from mediation, saying it sought to “devote itself more” to AU priorities. A new mediator will be appointed in the coming days, the statement added.

Efforts to resolve the conflict, which is rooted in the aftermath of Rwanda’s 1994 genocide and competition for eastern Congo’s vast mineral wealth, have repeatedly faltered despite ceasefires, international sanctions, and regional summits.

On Monday, regional blocs from southern and eastern Africa held a virtual summit co-chaired by Kenyan President William Ruto and Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa to address the crisis.

Meanwhile, M23 rejected a joint ceasefire call from Congo and Rwanda last week, insisting on direct talks with Kinshasa as the only viable path to peace. However, over the weekend, the rebel group announced it would withdraw from the town of Walikale to support peace efforts.
In response, the Congolese army said it would monitor the pullout and refrain from offensive operations to encourage de-escalation.

Reuters/Patience Ameh