Luanda: Angola announced on Monday that it is withdrawing from its role in mediating the conflict in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to focus on broader priorities defined by the African Union (AU) regarding peace and security across the continent. According to Angola Press News Agency, a statement from the Presidency of the Republic indicated that steps will soon be taken with the AU Commission to identify another country whose head of state will assume the mediation role between the DRC and Rwanda. The decision comes nearly two months after Angola assumed the rotating presidency of the AU, emphasizing the need to concentrate on the continental organization's broad objectives. The statement outlined that Angola will now channel its efforts towards infrastructure development, continental free trade, combating epidemics, endemics, and pandemics, as well as promoting economic and social development. Additionally, Angola aims to address justice for Africans and people of African descent thro ugh reparations. The statement recalled that since the AU assigned President Joo Lourenço the responsibility of mediating the conflict, Angola had committed its resources to achieving lasting peace in eastern DRC and normalizing relations between the neighboring nations. Despite making significant progress in December 2024, marked by the DRC's commitment to neutralize the FDLR and Rwanda's agreement to withdraw forces from Congolese territory, the summit scheduled for December 15 in Luanda was cancelled due to Rwanda's absence. Angola emphasized the importance of direct negotiations between the DRC government and M23, having received consent for talks to occur in Luanda on March 18. However, unforeseen external factors led to the cancellation of these discussions. The statement further welcomed the efforts of the United Nations, international organizations, and supportive countries, highlighting the necessity of coordinated actions with appointed mediators to end conflicts and the arms race in Africa. The statement concluded by stressing the importance of consultation with the Peace and Security Council of the African Union and the President of the Commission of the pan-African organization.