Angola will step down from its position as a mediator between parties involved in an escalating Rwanda-backed rebel offensive in eastern Congo, the presidency said on Monday, with another African state set to lead efforts to get peace talks back on track.

Angola is terminating its mediation efforts for the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo to allow President Joao Lourenco to focus on his new role as chairman of the African Union.

ANGOLA: ANGOLAN President Joao Lourenco is stepping down as a mediator in the conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo) to focus on his new role as chairman of the African Union (AU), his office said on Monday.