Congo, M23 rebels to begin peace talks on march 18, Angola announces

Direct peace talks between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the M23 rebel group are set to begin on March 18 in Angola’s capital, Luanda, the Angolan presidency announced on Wednesday.

Angola has been mediating efforts to secure a lasting ceasefire and ease tensions in the volatile eastern region of the DRC, where fighting between Congolese forces and the Tutsi-led M23 rebels has displaced thousands. The conflict has also strained relations between the DRC and neighboring Rwanda, which Kinshasa accuses of backing the rebels—a charge Kigali denies.

The upcoming negotiations mark a significant step in the peace process, following months of regional diplomatic efforts to end the fighting. Previous ceasefires and agreements have failed to hold, raising concerns of prolonged instability in a region already plagued by armed conflict.

Angola, which has been engaged in peace efforts under regional frameworks, emphasized the importance of dialogue to prevent further escalation. The international community, including the African Union and the United Nations, has called for a peaceful resolution to the crisis, warning that continued hostilities could destabilize the Great Lakes.