Angola announced today, March 24 it would step back from its mediation efforts for peace in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). According to Angolan officials, the decision comes as President João Lourenço, who also serves as the current chair of the African Union, needs to focus on the broader priorities set by the continental organization.

Angola expressed in a statement that it had made several efforts to bring the various parties involved to the negotiating table, but had not succeeded in reaching an agreement. "Angola has always believed in the need for direct negotiations between the DRC Government and the M23, and has worked towards this goal and secured the consent of both parties for the first round to take place in Luanda on 18th March this year. However, this event was aborted at the last minute due to a combination of factors, including some external elements unrelated to the ongoing African process," the statement explained.

This announcement comes less than a week after an unexpected meeting between President Félix Tshisekedi of the DRC and Rwandan President Paul Kagame, who has been accused of supporting M23 rebels. Their meeting in Qatar led to an agreement for an immediate ceasefire. Many on social media criticized the choice of a non-African mediator for the crisis, especially since planned talks between Kinshasa and M23 in Angola on the same day ultimately did not take place. This latest failure adds to a string of unsuccessful efforts by Angola to bring together the key players in the conflict.

The Angolan presidency stressed that all efforts from the United Nations, other international organizations, and well-meaning countries that contribute to resolving conflicts on the continent are welcome—provided they are coordinated with the appointed mediators, the Peace and Security Council, and the Chairperson of the African Union Commission. Many observers see this as a subtle acknowledgment of João Lourenço’s exclusion from the Doha process. Angola also announced that a new mediator would be appointed after consultations with the African Union Commission.

The security situation in eastern DRC remains alarming, with M23 controlling several key areas, including around Goma and Bukavu. Despite ongoing mediation efforts, both regional and international attempts to stabilize the region have struggled. On Monday, Kinshasa announced it would begin consultations to form a national unity government. It remains unclear whether M23 representatives will be included, as President Tshisekedi has repeatedly refused to negotiate with the armed group.