Angola to host peace talks between DRC, M23 in Luanda

Angola has announced that peace talks between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the M23 armed group will take place soon in Luanda.

The discussions aim to end the ongoing conflict in eastern DRC, where M23 rebels have seized significant territories.

“As mediator in the conflict, Angola will contact M23 so that the delegations of DRC and M23 can hold direct negotiations in Luanda in the coming days for a definitive peace,” the Angolan presidency stated after a meeting with DRC President Félix Tshisekedi.

Tshisekedi’s spokesperson, Tina Salama, confirmed the development on X, stating that the Congolese government would “wait to see the implementation of this approach of the Angolan mediation.”

This decision marks a shift in Tshisekedi’s position, as he had previously refused to negotiate with M23, which is believed to have the backing of Rwandan troops. However, after discussions with Angolan President João Lourenço, he has agreed to consider peace talks.

Since January, the cities of Goma and Bukavu in eastern DRC have come under M23’s control following a resurgence of violence that began in 2021. According to UN experts, the group is supported by about 4,000 Rwandan soldiers.

Kinshasa claims that over 7,000 people have lost their lives in this year’s offensive and accuses Rwanda of attempting to exploit the mineral-rich North and South Kivu provinces. Rwanda has, however, denied these allegations.