Angola steps back from DRC peace talks after failed mediation efforts
Angola's presidency announced it would "free itself from the responsibility of mediator" in order to focus more on broader African Union priorities.
After two failed attempts at direct talks—first between Presidents Félix Tshisekedi and Paul Kagame in December, and more recently between the DRC government and M23 rebels—Angola has officially stepped back from its role as mediator in the bitter conflict that has plunged eastern Congo into a dire humanitarian crisis.
In a statement released Monday, Angola's presidency announced it would "free itself from the responsibility of mediator" to focus more on broader African Union priorities.
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The announcement referenced the "aborted" Luanda meeting earlier this month and follows President João Lourenço's earlier indication at the AU summit in Addis Ababa that he would step down from the AU-sanctioned mediation role.
Now serving as AU Chairperson for one year, Lourenço has signalled a shift in focus from the Congo peace process to wider continental issues.
Regional analyst Paul Olind believes Angola's withdrawal opens the door for Qatar to step in as the primary facilitator for talks between Kinshasa and Kigali.
Tensions between Angola and the parties involved escalated last week when Luanda expressed surprise at a meeting held in Qatar between Presidents Tshisekedi and Kagame—the same day Kinshasa had sent a delegation to Luanda for scheduled talks with M23.
Angola's Foreign Minister Téte António reiterated his country's commitment to African-led solutions, emphasising that despite the unexpected Qatari involvement, Luanda supports all efforts toward peace but believes African conflicts are best resolved by African actors.
Adding to the diplomatic strain, President Kagame has previously accused President Lourenço of bias, questioning Angola's neutrality in the conflict.
Angola has indicated that another mediator will be appointed to take over the peace efforts.
Meanwhile, leaders from the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) will convene this evening in a joint virtual summit to resolve tensions between the DRC and Rwanda and chart a new course toward peace in the region.
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