President Lourenço's office announced that talks between M23 representatives and the DRC government are scheduled to begin on March 18, 2025.
The AFC/M23 coalition, which opposes the Congolese government, has insisted that President Félix Tshisekedi must clearly demonstrate his willingness to engage in dialogue.
The invitation, signed by Angola's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Tete Antonio, states that at the request of President Lourenço and in alignment with the African Union's peace and security efforts in eastern DRC, AFC/M23 is formally invited to the discussions.
The letter further reads: 'The Government of Angola is pleased to invite you to participate in direct negotiations with the Government of the DRC, scheduled for March 18, 2025, in Luanda, Angola.'
Recently, AFC/M23's political spokesperson, Lawrence Kanyuka, expressed appreciation for President Lourenço's continued efforts to bring peace to eastern DRC.
However, he also noted that the DRC government has repeatedly stated that it has no intention of negotiating with AFC/M23, and therefore, M23 fighters need a clear confirmation that Tshisekedi has changed his stance.
On February 8, 2025, leaders from the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) met and agreed that hostilities and provocations should cease, and that the DRC government should enter negotiations with AFC/M23.
However, the DRC government has consistently refused to engage with M23, labeling it a terrorist group that harms civilians, a claim that M23 has denied, asserting instead that it protects local communities.
Following the announcement of the negotiation date, M23 leader Bertrand Bisimwa stated that the group's fighters were prepared to defeat Tshisekedi militarily until he agrees to peace talks.
IGIHE
