** Angola withdraws from mediation: a decisive turning point for the east of the DRC? **
On March 24, 2025, a press release from the Angolan presidency sparked cascade reactions within the international community: Angola decided to end its mission as a mediator in the sustainable conflict between the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to the rebels of the M23-AFC. This decision, revealed in an already fragile context, raises a number of questions about regional stability and the commitment of the various strategic actors in the quest for peace in Central Africa.
### A strategically calculated tactical withdrawal
Angola does not renounce the peace process out of despair, but chooses to focus on its continental priorities to the presidency of the African Union. This decision can be interpreted as a sign of diplomatic maturity: the country recognizes that its mediation efforts could be better oriented towards wider objectives, relating to issues such as regional development, the fight against pandemics, and the promotion of justice for Africans and Afro-descendants.
On the other hand, Angola played a preponderant role in several interconnected discussions and has contributed to the negotiation of cessation of hostilities. His decision to unite the responsibility of mediator raises a dilemma: can we really afford to release the pressure on a conflict that evolves quickly and whose geopolitical implications are significant, not only for the DRC, but also for neighboring countries like Rwanda?
### Historical context and constant tensions
The conflict in the east of the DRC, much more than a simple internal struggle, is the echo of rooted historical rivalries. The tensions between the DRC and Rwanda go back to several decades, exacerbated by the 1994 Rwandan genocide and the conflicts that followed. The M23-AFC, which formed from former rebels, was often accused of being supported by Rwanda, thus exacerbating instability in the region.
When the dialogue was promoted, notable advances such as the withdrawal of the FDLR (Democratic Forces for Liberation for Rwanda) elements and the withdrawal of the Rwandan forces from the Congolese territory were underway. The end of Angolan mediation is likely to compromise these gains, projecting the shadow of a return to violence on the region.
### A vulnerability window
Abandonment by Angola could (unfortunately) open a window for a revival of hostile activities. If we consider conflict statistics in Africa, we observe that the mediation withdrawals often mark the start of a climbing of tensions. Cases in Somalia, Sudan, and Libya show that the absence of a stabilizer actor can quickly lead to deterioration in security conditions. The historical precedents suggest harmful consequences for civilians and disastrous economic benefits.
The DRC, with an already extremely fragile population, faces increased risk of injury, population travel, and new humanitarian crises. In 2022, the number of internal displaced in the DRC had exceeded 5 million, an alarming figure which could still increase in the wake of the Angolan decision.
### Options for the future: what role for other regional actors?
Faced with this unexpected withdrawal, the international community, including the United Nations and the African Union, must reassess its role and consider alternative strategies to restore peace in the region. The commitment of other countries of Eastern Africa, such as Uganda, or the strengthened support of humanitarian health and rescue organizations, could make it possible to maintain a certain balance in the field.
It is obvious that the lessons of the past must serve as lessons for a more collaborative and integrative approach in the resolution of the conflict. A coalition of neighboring countries could be a way to explore to highlight peaceful solutions, while integrating the aspirations of local populations, often neglected in formal peace processes.
### Conclusion
Angola’s decision could be perceived as a major turning point. On the one hand, it marks the end of a chapter of direct mediation, crucial but limited in its impact. On the other hand, it opens the door to increasing security concerns in a region already undermined by conflict decades. The issues are considerable, and it is imperative that the international community remains united and proactive to ensure a stable and peaceful future for the DRC and the whole of Central Africa. In this complex dynamic, the voice of citizens and their desire for peace should never be underestimated.