Peace talks are set between the DRC government and M23 rebels, with Angola mediating. The conflict, ongoing since January 2025, has resulted in thousands of deaths and displacements. The talks are scheduled for March 18, 2025, amid rising concerns about regional instability and humanitarian crises.
Peace talks are set to commence between the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the M23 rebels, allegedly backed by Rwanda, in Angola on March 18. This announcement follows prolonged conflict since January 2025, which has resulted in thousands of fatalities and displacements of hundreds of thousands of individuals. The situation remains dire, with significant humanitarian implications as reported by various news outlets, including Al Jazeera and Reuters.
Angola acts as a mediator in this escalating conflict which intensified after the M23 rebels seized Goma, a strategic city, in late January 2025, subsequently capturing Bukavu, the second-largest city in eastern Congo in February. The DRC government has reported that over 7,000 lives have been lost since the onset of fighting, with around 600,000 people fleeing their homes due to the ongoing violence. Moreover, accusations have been leveled against Rwanda for providing support to the Tutsi group involved in the conflict, which Rwanda has denied.
President Felix Tshisekedi of the DRC visited Angola on March 11 to explore the potential for these negotiations, and according to his spokeswoman, Tina Salama, an official invitation to negotiate was extended by Angola. However, it remains unclear whether President Tshisekedi will directly participate in the discussions.
Rebel leader Bertrand Bisimwa expressed on social media his view that negotiations are imperative, labeling them as the “only civilized option for resolving the current crisis.” The M23, also known as the March 23 Movement, emerged from a previous rebel group and has been engaged in prolonged conflicts over perceived discrimination and struggles for resources in the region.
In recent developments, M23 fighters, alongside purported Rwandan troops, have resumed their offensive activities in eastern DRC, further aggravating the fragile ceasefire situation by capturing the city of Nyabibwe, situated 96 kilometers from the capital of South Kivu province.
In summary, the upcoming peace talks in Angola represent a critical step towards addressing the ongoing conflict in the DRC involving the M23 rebels. With the situation having led to significant loss of life and mass displacement, the international community is closely monitoring these negotiations. The role of Angola as a mediator and the potential participation of President Tshisekedi may influence the process of achieving a peaceful resolution.
Original Source: unn.ua
