On Monday, Angola, currently holding the African Union presidency, announced its withdrawal from mediating the ongoing conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The head of state provides clarification.
Angolan President João Lourenço addressed his country’s decision to step back from mediating the conflict between the DRC and the M23 armed group on Tuesday during a visit to Saurimo, the capital of Lunda Sul province.
“There is absolutely no connection between one thing and the other. Our withdrawal from mediation is not a sign of hostility toward anyone,” the Angolan leader stated, seeking to dispel any ambiguity surrounding the move.
Questioned about potential security implications during a working visit to Saurimo in northeastern Lunda-Sud province, Lourenço struck a firm tone: “If that happens, the solution is simple: we give a bullet and a rifle to the armed forces and the problem is solved.”
In a statement issued on Monday, Luanda explained that the decision aims to “relieve itself of the responsibility of mediating this eastern DRC conflict” to “focus on priorities set by the
continental organisation.”
This comes nearly two months into Angola’s tenure as the rotating chair of the African Union.
African Mediation Revived After Luanda’s Exit
Following the failure of Angola’s mediation, leaders of the East African Community and the Southern African Development Community held a joint virtual summit on Monday to reinvigorate efforts to stabilise eastern DRC.
A high-level group of facilitators was formed to resume mediation, including Olusegun Obasanjo (Nigeria), Uhuru Kenyatta (Kenya), Kgalema Motlanthe (South Africa), Catherine Samba Panza (Central African Republic), and Sahle-Work Zewde (Ethiopia).
They are tasked with appointing the next mediator.
Despite diplomatic progress in December 2024—such as the DRC’s pledge to neutralise the FDLR and Rwanda’s commitment to withdraw troops from Congolese soil—the Angolan mediation faced repeated setbacks.
A summit planned for 15 December collapsed due to Rwanda’s absence, and a direct negotiation attempt on 18 March in Luanda fell through.
Luanda attributed the breakdown to “external factors foreign to the ongoing African process,” seemingly referencing Qatar’s involvement, which hosted a trilateral meeting in Doha with the Rwandan and Congolese presidents and the Qatari emir.
On the ground, the DRC Armed Forces (FARDC) are closely monitoring M23’s announced withdrawal, remaining vigilant to prevent escalation.
Tensions persist, however, over the parties’ commitments and the roleof foreign actors.
AC/sf/lb/jn/APA