Faith Nyasuguta
Angola has officially announced its withdrawal from mediating the escalating conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), marking a significant shift in regional diplomatic efforts. The Angolan presidency cited the need to focus on broader African Union (AU) priorities, with plans for another African nation to assume the mediation role soon.
The conflict in eastern DRC has intensified, primarily due to the resurgence of the March 23 Movement (M23), a Tutsi-led rebel group. Since late 2021, M23 has seized key cities and advanced into mineral-rich territories, including areas abundant in tin and gold deposits. Angola’s President João Lourenço, serving as the current AU Chairperson, had been leading initiatives to mediate peace talks between DRC and Rwanda, which has been accused of backing the M23 rebels, a claim that Kigali denies.
Efforts to bring the conflicting parties to the negotiating table have faced significant challenges. A planned meeting in Luanda, Angola’s capital, aimed at facilitating direct talks between DRC and M23, was aborted after the rebel group withdrew following the European Union’s imposition of sanctions on M23 leaders and certain Rwandan officials. This development underscores the complexities involved in mediating such a multifaceted conflict.
The roots of the eastern DRC conflict are deeply embedded in historical grievances, competition for the region’s vast mineral wealth, and political instability dating back to the aftermath of Rwanda’s 1994 genocide. Over the years, various efforts, including ceasefires, international sanctions, and regional summits, have struggled to achieve lasting peace.
Angola’s decision to step back from its mediation role coincides with preparations for a joint summit led by southern and eastern African regional blocs. Co-chaired by Kenya’s President William Ruto and Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa, this summit aims to establish a new framework for resolving the conflict and fostering regional stability. The selection of a new mediator will be crucial in determining the next steps toward achieving a resolution in eastern DRC, as the region stands at a critical juncture.
M23 has reiterated its call for direct negotiations with the DRC government, asserting that dialogue is the only viable path to peace. The rebel group recently pledged to withdraw from the strategic mining hub of Walikale as a gesture of goodwill; however, reports indicate that their forces remain active in the area.
Angola’s withdrawal highlights the formidable challenges inherent in mediating a deeply entrenched conflict marked by geopolitical complexities and historical tensions. The international community and regional actors now face the pressing task of identifying and supporting a new mediator capable of navigating these complexities to foster a sustainable peace in eastern DRC.
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