DR Congo to join peace talks with M23 rebels in Angola

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) will send a delegation to Angola tomorrow (Tuesday) for peace talks aimed at ending the ongoing conflict with M23 rebels in the eastern part of the country, the presidency announced on Sunday.

Angola had previously stated that direct negotiations between the DRC government and M23 would begin in Luanda on March 18.

President Felix Tshisekedi, who has consistently refused to engage with the rebel group, is now reconsidering his stance after a series of battlefield setbacks and diminishing regional support.

"At this stage, we can't say who will make up the delegation," said presidency spokesperson Tina Salama.

M23 acknowledged receiving Angola’s invitation but has not confirmed participation.

“The ceasefire must include all possible hostile actions against the civilian population and the occupation of new positions,” Angolan President Joao Lourenco stated on Saturday, urging both parties to halt hostilities from midnight to create a suitable environment for the talks.

The rebel group has issued demands following the announcement of the talks, including a request that Tshisekedi publicly commit to direct negotiations.

Fighting, however, appeared to continue on Sunday, with local officials reporting clashes in the Walikale region.

For years, the conflict in eastern Congo has been fueled by struggles over resources and historical tensions linked to the 1994 Rwandan genocide.

M23, a Tutsi-led group, has been accused of receiving support from Rwanda, an allegation Kigali denies. The fighting has intensified this year, with the rebels advancing into new territories, including major cities.

The humanitarian impact has been devastating. The Congolese government reports that at least 7,000 people have died in the fighting since January, while the UN estimates that over 600,000 have been displaced since November.

Both the DRC government and M23 have repeatedly accused each other of violating ceasefire agreements in the past.

As the scheduled talks approach, the question remains whether both sides will honor Angola’s call for an end to hostilities.