The Democratic Republic of Congo government and the M23 rebel group will hold direct peace talks on 18 March in Luanda, Angola, as announced by Angolan President João Lourenço’s office. Angola has been mediating the conflict in eastern Congo, which worsened in late January.

Rebels made rapid progress and seized Goma and Bukavu, the region’s second-largest city. Congo President Felix Tshisekedi previously refused to directly engage with the M23. Angola tried to host peace talks focused on the M23’s Rwandan backers.

Although Kigali denies supporting the Tutsi-led rebel group, UN experts believe about 4,000 Rwandan troops back the M23. The group is among the numerous trying to establish a presence in mineral-rich eastern DRC. The conflict has led to a severe humanitarian crisis, displacing over seven million people.

Source: http://www.africanews.com/2025/03/13/mediator-angola-says-drc-and-m23-rebels-to-hold-direct-peace-talks/