Angola has announced it will no longer mediate the conflict between the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Rwanda, following the first direct talks between the two countries’ leaders in six days.
In a statement dated March 24, 2025, Angola’s Presidency said, “Nearly two months after assuming the current Chairmanship of the African Union, Angola recognizes the need to relieve itself of the responsibility of mediating this conflict in eastern DRC in order to more comprehensively focus on the general priorities established by the continental organization.”
The decision comes after DRC President Félix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame held talks mediated by Qatar’s Emir in Doha. In a joint statement with Qatar, the leaders called for an “immediate ceasefire” in eastern DRC and agreed to continue discussions to “establish solid foundations for lasting peace.”
Angola had been leading mediation efforts under the African Union’s mandate, with President João Lourenço facilitating negotiations between the DRC and Rwanda. Progress had been made during ministerial-level talks in December 2024, where the DRC agreed to neutralize the FDLR militia, and Rwanda committed to withdrawing its forces from Congolese territory. However, a planned summit in Luanda on December 15 did not take place due to Rwanda’s absence.
Despite Angola securing an agreement for direct negotiations between the DRC government and the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels on March 18, the meeting was aborted due to “a combination of factors, including some external elements unrelated to the ongoing African process,” according to the statement.
The withdrawal of Angola from the mediation role follows a gesture by the M23 rebels, who announced on March 22, 2025, that they would withdraw from Walikale in support of peace efforts. The Congo River Alliance, which includes M23, said it had “decided to reposition its forces” from Walikale and surrounding areas.
Angola’s statement indicated that the African Union, in collaboration with regional bodies like SADC and the East African Community, will identify a new mediator to continue efforts to resolve the conflict.
