Angola Ends Mediation in Congo as M23 Rebels Defy Withdrawal Agreement

Failed Ceasefire in Congo as M23 Rebels Defy Withdrawal Agreement

Angola ends mediation role in the DRC-Rwanda conflict amid failed talk. The failed ceasefire in eastern Congo has deepened tensions as M23 rebels refused to withdraw from the strategic town of Walikale, despite earlier pledges. The collapse of the truce has dashed hopes of reviving stalled peace talks, prolonging a conflict that has displaced thousands and raised fears of a wider regional war.

The failed ceasefire was announced 48 hours after M23 claimed it would pull back, with Congo’s army agreeing to halt attacks. However, rebels accused government forces of violating terms by keeping attack drones in the area, further destabilizing the fragile agreement.

With Angola withdrawing as a mediator and diplomatic efforts faltering, the failed ceasefire highlights the challenges of resolving a decades-long crisis fueled by ethnic tensions, mineral wealth, and foreign interference.

M23 Rebels Accuse Army of Ceasefire Violations

The M23 rebel coalition, backed by Rwanda, claimed Congo’s army failed to remove drones from Walikale, preventing their withdrawal. Lawrence Kanyuka, a spokesperson, stated that this breach obstructed peace initiatives and delayed their repositioning.

Residents confirmed rebels remained visible in Walikale, contradicting withdrawal promises. The town marks M23’s farthest advance since January, raising concerns of further offensives if negotiations collapse completely.

Congo’s military has not responded to the allegations, but past ceasefires have similarly unraveled due to mistrust and broken commitments from both sides.

Angola Withdraws as Mediator Amid Stalled Talks

Angola announced it was stepping back from mediation efforts, citing external interference and the breakdown of planned talks in Luanda. The country had pushed for direct negotiations between Congo and M23, but last-minute cancellations derailed progress.

The surprise meeting between Congo’s President Félix Tshisekedi and Rwanda’s Paul Kagame in Qatar further complicated Angola’s role. The Angolan government expressed frustration, emphasizing a preference for African-led solutions to the crisis.

With no immediate replacement mediator, the peace process remains in limbo despite calls for an immediate ceasefire from regional leaders.

Conflict Roots: Genocide Fallout and Resource Wars

The conflict traces back to the 1994 Rwandan genocide, with ethnic Tutsis in Congo forming M23 amid persecution fears. Rwanda denies backing the rebels but faces accusations of supplying arms and troops from Congo and Western nations.

Competition over eastern Congo’s vast mineral resources has also fueled violence, with armed groups vying for control of gold, cobalt, and coltan mines. The humanitarian toll includes mass displacement, sexual violence, and thousands of deaths.

Without a lasting political solution, analysts warn the failed ceasefire could escalate into a broader regional conflict, drawing in neighboring nations.

International Response and Next Steps

The European Union’s sanctions on M23 leaders and Rwandan officials contributed to the rebels’ withdrawal from talks. Meanwhile, Qatar’s mediation efforts have been met with cautious optimism, though M23 insists it is not bound by diplomatic agreements.

The UN has called for renewed dialogue, but with Angola’s exit and no clear path forward, the prospects for peace remain uncertain. Congo’s government continues to demand Rwanda’s full disengagement from the rebellion.

As violence persists, the failed ceasefire underscores the urgent need for a coordinated international response to prevent further destabilization in Central Africa.

A Fragile Peace on the Brink

The failed ceasefire in Walikale has exposed the deep divisions and mistrust prolonging Congo’s conflict. With mediators stepping back and rebels defying withdrawal pledges, the path to peace appears increasingly uncertain.

Unless regional and global powers unite behind enforceable agreements, eastern Congo risks descending into further chaos. The international community must act swiftly to prevent another failed ceasefire from deepening the crisis.

The failed ceasefire in Congo highlights the urgent need for renewed diplomacy to end one of Africa’s most devastating conflicts.