The Democratic Republic of Congo is set to dispatch a delegation to Angola on Tuesday for discussions aimed at addressing the escalating conflict with Rwandan-supported rebels in the eastern region, as announced by the presidency on Sunday.
Last week, Angola revealed that direct peace negotiations between Congo and the M23 rebels are scheduled to commence in Luanda, the Angolan capital, on March 18.
President Felix Tshisekedi, who has previously dismissed the idea of engaging in dialogue with the M23, is reportedly reconsidering his stance following a series of military setbacks and diminishing regional support for Congo.
“At this point, we cannot specify the members of the delegation,” stated presidency spokesperson Tina Salama.
The M23 has confirmed receipt of Angola’s invitation, according to spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka, who shared this information on X on Sunday, though he did not clarify whether the group would take part in the talks.
Following the announcement of the negotiations, M23 has put forth several demands, including a request for Tshisekedi to publicly affirm his willingness to negotiate directly with them.
Angola is actively working to mediate a sustainable ceasefire and reduce tensions between Congo and its neighbor Rwanda, which has been accused of supporting the Tutsi-led rebel faction. Rwanda has denied these claims.
The ongoing conflict, which has plagued eastern Congo for decades, is deeply rooted in the aftermath of Rwanda’s 1994 genocide and the competition for control over Congo’s extensive mineral wealth.
This year, the situation has intensified, with M23 capturing territory it had not previously held, including the two largest cities in eastern Congo and several smaller areas.
According to the Congolese government, at least 7,000 individuals have lost their lives in the conflict since January, and the U.N. humanitarian affairs office reports that over 600,000 people have been displaced since November.
On Saturday, Angolan President Joao Lourenco called on all parties to halt hostilities starting at midnight to foster a favorable environment for the negotiations.
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“The ceasefire should encompass all potential hostile actions against civilians and the occupation of new territories,” he emphasized in a statement.
Congo and M23 have consistently blamed one another for breaching ceasefire agreements in the past.
On Sunday, hostilities seemed to continue, with a local official reporting skirmishes in the Walikale area.
