M23 Rebels Set Conditions Ahead Of Peace Talks With DRC Government

The M23 rebel group has outlined a series of demands ahead of the upcoming peace negotiations with the president of Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) Felix Tshisekedi.

The announcement comes after Angolan President João Lourenço’s office confirmed that direct talks between Kinshasa and the rebels are scheduled to begin on March 18, 2025, in Luanda. Angola is leading mediation efforts to end the ongoing conflict in eastern DRC.

In a statement issued on March 14, 2025, M23’s political spokesperson, Lawrence Kanyuka, emphasized the importance of securing solid commitments from the DRC government before engaging in dialogue. He stressed that without clear assurances, the peace talks could face challenges. The rebel group has long accused the Congolese government of failing to uphold previous agreements, citing past peace deals that were never fully implemented.

Among their key demands, the M23 is calling for an official ceasefire agreement to be honored by all parties. They are also pushing for the protection and reintegration of their members into the Congolese security forces, as well as guarantees for the safe return of displaced civilians. Additionally, the group wants the government to address what they describe as ethnic discrimination against Congolese Tutsi communities, a long-standing issue in the region.

The upcoming negotiations are seen as a crucial step toward resolving the ongoing violence that has displaced thousands in North Kivu and other parts of eastern DRC. International observers have urged both sides to approach the talks in good faith, warning that continued hostilities could further destabilize the region.

With the scheduled talks just days away, the international community is watching closely to see if both parties can reach a lasting agreement that will bring peace to one of Africa’s most volatile regions.