Angolan President João Lourenço positions himself as a central figure in efforts to contain instability in Africa, particularly in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), one of the continent's greatest challenges.

The crisis in the region, marked by protracted conflicts, disputes over natural resources, and political crises, has profound implications for security, economic development, and the lives of millions. In recent hours, João Lourenço reinforced his role as a key mediator, seeking to stem the escalation of violence.

"The issue of instability and security in Africadominated the discussions, as detailed in a statement from the Angolan Presidency. The intensification of tensions in several regions of the continent jeopardizes regional integration and development efforts, making the issue an urgent focus for African leaders.

The crisis in the DRC, marked by the advance of the M23 rebel group, threatens to escalate into a regional war. Tensions have increased following the violation of the August 04, 2024, ceasefire, with the rebels now controlling strategic mining areas.

“The Angolan government strongly condemns the actions of the M23 and reaffirms its commitment to defending human rights.”

Angolan Secretary of State Esmeralda Bravo Conde da Silva Mendonça stated this during an African Union meeting.

Meanwhile, the East African Community has convened an extraordinary summit in Nairobi, with the confirmed attendance of the Presidents of the DRC, Félix Tshisekedi, and of Rwanda, Paul Kagame. Angolan mediation, through theLuanda Process“, emerges as a hope for stabilizing the region, even though economic challenges and mineral trafficking remain obstacles.

“Lumbishi and its gold mines are likely to be a significant source of revenue for M23.”

Said Gregory Mthembu-Salter, director of Phuzumoya Consulting, a firm specializing in African political economy.

The United Nations estimates that the group collects at least $800 in taxes on coltan per month. The lack of transparency in mining operations in Rwanda, which lacks international monitoring initiatives, makes oversight difficult.

“There is a lack of transparency in mining operations and a lack of transparency in geological information.”

He criticized Jean-Pierre Okenda, an expert on extractive industries. Rwanda, for its part, denies involvement.

“Do you think it is possible to fight and still have time to extract natural resources and refine them?”

Vincent Karega, Rwanda's ambassador to the Great Lakes region, asked. However, UN data reveals that Rwanda's gold exports to the United Arab Emirates increased 75% in 2023, reaching $885 million.

João Lourenço's mediation will be very complex, as military escalation puts civilians in the provinces of North Kivu and South Kivu at risk, for which the Angolan Secretary of State regretted "the flagrant violation of the ceasefire” and reinforced the call for dialogue:

“Angola reiterates the urgency of an immediate cessation of hostilities.”

“Angolan President João Lourenço has led political and diplomatic initiatives to restore peace”, highlighted the official statement.

The Nairobi summit, scheduled for this Wednesday, January 29, 2025, seeks to avoid an all-out war between the DRC and Rwanda. The presence of Tshisekedi and Kagame, leaders of neighboring countries in conflict, will test the effectiveness of regional diplomacy.

At the same time, the AU is preparing to transfer the rotating presidency to Mauritania in February, with Mohamed Ould Ghazouani inheriting this complex issue.

Angolan mediation faces the challenge of balancing economic and geopolitical interests. Control over minerals such as cobalt, essential for electric car batteries, makes the region a target of global covetousness.

“Rwanda's mineral exports currently exceed $1 billion per year.”

Jason Stearns, a political scientist at Simon Fraser University, warned. Despite efforts, distrust persists. While the DRC accuses Rwanda of supporting the M23, Kigali vehemently denies it. The international community, including the AU, is pushing for transparency in mineral supply chains, but implementation is hampered by corruption and conflicts of interest.

Illegal mining generates significant revenue for rebel groups and undermines governance and sustainable development efforts. Insurgent control of mining areas prevents governments from collecting taxes and implementing policies that benefit local communities.

Furthermore, the illicit mineral trade is often facilitated by international networks operating outside of any oversight. The lack of transparency in the mining sector is a major problem. Many African countries, including Rwanda, are not members of international transparency initiatives, making it difficult to track the origins of minerals.

As a result, minerals illegally mined in Africa end up entering global supply chains, feeding technology and jewelry industries without consumers being aware of their controversial origins.

Without a lasting solution, the risk of a regional escalation of the war remains. The Nairobi summit and the Luanda Process are fragile hopes in a landscape marked by decades of violence. As Esmeralda Bravo stated:

“Only direct dialogue between the parties can bring stability.”