Angola has announced its withdrawal as the mediator in the escalating conflict between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels.
The decision, revealed by the presidency on Monday, March 24, signals a shift in regional diplomatic efforts.
In a statement referencing the failed negotiations, the Angolan presidency stated, “Angola considers the need to free itself from the responsibility of the mediator of this conflict” to focus more on African Union priorities. The statement also confirmed that another head of state would be appointed to take over mediation efforts in the coming days.
The M23 rebellion, led by ethnic Tutsi fighters, has captured major cities in eastern Congo and pushed into mineral-rich territories abundant in gold and tantalum. Angola, under President Joao Lourenco, had been leading efforts to broker a ceasefire and ease tensions between Congo and Rwanda, which Kinshasa has repeatedly accused of backing the insurgents.
Last week, direct talks between Congo and M23 were scheduled to take place in Angola’s capital, Luanda, after President Felix Tshisekedi — who had long refused dialogue — agreed to send a delegation. However, M23 abruptly withdrew from the talks following European Union sanctions imposed on both the group and Rwandan officials.
Efforts to resolve the crisis have repeatedly faltered, with ceasefires broken, international sanctions imposed, and regional summits convened, yet a lasting solution remains elusive. The conflict has deep historical roots, tracing back to the 1994 Rwandan genocide and competition for eastern Congo’s lucrative mineral resources.
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the East African Community (EAC) are set to convene a second joint summit on Monday to address the escalating situation. The virtual meeting will be co-chaired by Kenyan President William Ruto and Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa, both of whom have been vocal about the need for a diplomatic resolution.
M23, meanwhile, has rejected recent international appeals for an immediate ceasefire. Over the weekend, the group announced plans to withdraw forces from Walikale, one of the towns it had seized, in an apparent move to demonstrate commitment to peace efforts.
Congo’s military responded cautiously, stating it would monitor the rebel retreat and “refrain from any offensives against enemy forces to encourage de-escalation.” However, reports from local sources suggested that M23 fighters remained present in the town despite their withdrawal pledge.
Congo Seeks U.S. Support In Resource-for-Security Deal
As violence continues to destabilize the region, the DRC is actively pursuing a minerals-for-security deal with the United States, offering access to its vast reserves in exchange for assistance in ending the conflict.
President Tshisekedi’s administration has urged Washington to “directly buy critical minerals” from Congo rather than acquiring resources allegedly “looted” and “smuggled” through Rwanda. The proposal draws comparisons to U.S. support for Ukraine in its war with Russia.
Congo is home to an estimated $24 trillion in mineral wealth, including the world’s largest cobalt reserves and significant deposits of coltan, a crucial component in electronic devices. However, questions loom over the feasibility of the deal, particularly regarding territorial control, as many of these mineral-rich areas are currently under rebel occupation.
Additionally, China has a dominant presence in Congo’s mining sector, while the European Union has already struck a separate deal with Rwanda valued at approximately $935 million — an arrangement Kinshasa insists involves minerals stolen from its territory.
Analysts suggest that while direct U.S. military intervention is unlikely, Washington could supply military equipment to bolster Congo’s defenses. Full-scale American involvement would contradict the current “America First” foreign policy approach.
The ongoing conflict in eastern Congo underscores the intricate web of geopolitical rivalries, economic interests, and historical grievances that have long plagued the region. With Angola stepping aside, the responsibility now falls to the next mediator to revive stalled peace talks and navigate the volatile political landscape.
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