Angolan President João Lourenço, the present head of the African Union, has called for an immediate cessation of hostilities in the ongoing conflict within the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

Lourenço urged all parties involved to cease fire starting at midnight local time on Sunday, aiming to create a conducive environment for forthcoming peace discussions.

Per a statement issued by the Angolan presidency, the ceasefire should encompass all aggressive actions against civilians and should prevent efforts to acquire new positions in the conflict-affected areas. The peace talks are scheduled to convene in Luanda, Angola, on March 18, where the DRC government and the M23 rebels are set to meet after a three-year hiatus.

The DRC government has yet to officially confirm its attendance. The M23, however, has voiced its support for Angola’s peace initiative, requesting that President Felix Tshisekedi publicly commit to direct negotiations.

The conflict has seen a sharp escalation lately, with the M23 rebels seizing significant towns in North and South Kivu provinces, leading to the displacement of thousands and exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. Despite diplomatic endeavors, the tensions between the DRC and the M23 remain unresolved, underscoring the pressing need for dialogue.