Given the conflict in the East African region between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and M23 rebels, the Southern African country of Angola has opted to intervene.
- Angola to mediate between DRC and M23 rebels.
- Direct peace talks set for 18th of March in Luanda.
- DRC government yet to confirm attendance at negotiations.
Following a meeting between DRC President Felix Tshisekedi and Angolan President Joao Lourenco in Angola’s capital, Luanda, the Angolan government agreed to step in and mediate between DRC officials and M23 rebels in the following days.
The result of that meeting is a set date in Luanda, where there is set to be a direct negotiation between the warring parties.
A recent report by Reuters notes that the direct peace talks have been set for the 18th of March, barely a week from the announcement.
Currently, it is unknown if the Congolese government is all in with the idea, as it has in the past refused to have a sit down with the M23 group.
Despite this, Congo’s presidential spokesperson acknowledged the proposal.
On the flip side, an M23 representative praised the decision, calling it “a victory of reason,” and guaranteed their involvement in future discussions.
As per the report by Reuters, Angola has been looking to defuse tensions between Congo and neighboring Rwanda, which has been charged with supporting the Tutsi-led rebel group, and broker a long-term truce. Rwanda disputes the claims.
Spokesperson for the DRC presidency, Tina Salama, told the aforementioned publication that the DRC government did receive an invitation for dialogue from Angola but is yet to decide whether it would be in attendance or not.
In response, M23 leader Bertrand Bisimwa, in a post on X, called the move “the only civilised option to resolve the current crisis,” noting that the group is willng to forcefully bring the DRC president to the negotating table.
Earlier peace initiatives to settle the dispute between DRC and M23 rebels
Earlier in March, the DRC insisted that the M23 rebels first withdraw from the DRC before any dialogue can be considered.
This was in response to the UK government calling for an inclusive dialogue, urging all parties, including M23, to seek a political solution to the conflict.
At the time, the DRC Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka maintained the government’s position, stating that Rwanda, which Kinshasa accuses of supporting M23, is the major aggressor endangering the country’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.
Leaders from Southern African countries, during the extraordinary Summit of the Heads of State and Government of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) on January 31, 2025, in Harare, Zimbabwe, discussed the security situation in the DRC.
They reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the DRC in its fight against rebel forces to protect the DRC’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity
