A group of Southern and Eastern African nations has expanded its team of former leaders tasked with resolving the ongoing conflict in eastern Congo.
The decision comes as negotiations continue to face setbacks, with armed groups refusing to withdraw from key areas.
Following a virtual summit on Monday, regional political blocs appointed five former heads of state to lead mediation efforts. The new panel includes Nigeria’s Olusegun Obasanjo, South Africa’s Kgalema Motlanthe, Ethiopia’s Sahle-Work Zewde, Kenya’s Uhuru Kenyatta, and Central African Republic’s Catherine Samba Panza. Their role will be to facilitate dialogue between the warring sides and push for a lasting resolution.
The latest setback occurred when the M23 rebel group, which has been fighting the Congolese government, reversed its decision to withdraw from the town of Walikale. The rebels accused the national army of failing to halt its offensive, further escalating tensions. The conflict, rooted in Rwanda’s 1994 genocide and the fight for control over eastern Congo’s mineral wealth, has intensified in recent months. Since January, M23 has captured major cities in the region, killing thousands and raising fears of a broader regional war.
In an effort to advance peace talks, the new panel will also appoint a mediator to replace Angola’s President João Lourenço, who stepped down from the role on Monday after years of unsuccessful negotiations between Rwanda and Congo. Despite international sanctions against Rwanda for allegedly arming M23 rebels, Kigali denies involvement, claiming its forces are acting in self-defense.
Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi and his Rwandan counterpart Paul Kagame recently met in Qatar, agreeing on an immediate ceasefire. However, M23 has rejected the call, insisting that only direct negotiations with the Congolese government can end the conflict. A previous attempt to hold talks in Angola failed after the rebels withdrew in protest over new EU sanctions.
The conflict has also drawn in neighboring Burundi, whose troops are fighting alongside Congo’s army against M23. Burundian President Évariste Ndayishimiye recently accused Rwanda of planning an attack on his country, though Rwandan officials dismissed his claims, emphasizing ongoing security discussions between the two nations.
With rising regional tensions and continued clashes, the new peace team faces a complex challenge in bringing stability to eastern Congo.