Angola has announced plans to facilitate direct negotiations between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) government and the M23 rebel group, with talks expected to take place in Luanda soon.

This development follows a high-level meeting between Angolan President João Lourenço and his Congolese counterpart, Félix Tshisekedi, at the Presidential Palace in Luanda. The two leaders held private consultations regarding the ongoing conflict in eastern DRC, where M23 rebels have been engaged in fierce battles against government forces.

A statement issued after the meeting confirmed Angola’s commitment to brokering peace in the region. “Angola will establish contacts with the M23, so that delegations from the DRC and the M23 conduct direct negotiations that will take place in Luanda in the coming days, with a view to negotiating a definitive peace in this brother country,” the statement read.

Angola has played a key role in regional mediation efforts and previously facilitated ceasefire agreements between the Congolese government and rebel groups. The latest push for direct negotiations signals renewed efforts to end the violence, which has displaced thousands and destabilized parts of the DRC.

The M23 rebel group, which claims to fight for the rights of Congolese Tutsis, has been active in the North Kivu region, capturing key towns and prompting military responses from both Congolese and regional forces. Previous peace efforts, including agreements brokered by regional blocs like the East African Community (EAC), have struggled to yield lasting results.

By bringing the two sides to the table, Angola hopes to foster dialogue and find a sustainable solution to the crisis. The success of these talks could mark a significant step toward peace and stability in the Great Lakes region.