In a statement, the group's spokesperson, Lawrence Kanyuka, confirmed their participation, stating that the delegation would depart for the Angolan capital on Monday, March 17, ahead of talks scheduled for the following day.
"The Congo River Alliance (AFC/M23) informs the public that it is sending, this Monday, March 17, 2025, a delegation of five people to Luanda, capital of Angola, to take part in direct dialogue at the request of the Angolan authorities," the statement read.
Kanyuka also expressed gratitude to Angolan President João Lourenço for his "tireless efforts" to mediate a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
The Congolese government has also confirmed that its delegation will participate in the talks on Tuesday.
The meeting marks a turning point in the ongoing crisis, as President Félix Tshisekedi, who has previously refused to engage directly with M23, appears to be shifting his stance. The decision to enter negotiations comes after a series of military setbacks and increasing pressure from regional leaders and international bodies.
Angola has played a central role in facilitating dialogue, urging both parties to observe a ceasefire ahead of the talks.
Earlier, President Lourenço emphasized that "the ceasefire must include all possible hostile actions against the civilian population and the occupation of new positions."
Despite previous ceasefire agreements frequently being violated, the Angolan government affirms that it's committed to brokering a lasting peace.
The conflict in eastern DRC has escalated significantly in recent months, with M23 capturing key cities, including Goma and Bukavu.
The conflict stems from what the rebels term as long-standing ethnic persecution against Kinyarwanda-speaking Congolese.
The group has long criticized previous peace processes in Nairobi and Luanda, arguing that they were excluded from key decisions.
The upcoming dialogue presents the first formal opportunity for the rebel group to engage directly with the Kinshasa government and address their demands.
Wycliffe Nyamasege
