Angola said on Monday it had presented proposals to end eastern Congo’s conflict, which President Felix Tshisekedi described as “interesting” and potentially constructive. The talks focused on the mineral-rich eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, a region scarred by decades of violence along borders with Rwanda and Burundi.
Fighting has intensified since 2021, driven by the resurgence of the Rwandan-backed M23 group despite repeated diplomatic initiatives. Those efforts include a US-brokered peace deal signed last month, which has yet to halt instability on the ground.
Tshisekedi met Angolan President Joao Lourenco in Luanda for discussions lasting several hours, according to Angola’s presidency. The Congolese leader said Lourenco proposed ideas that could “contribute significantly” to peace, though details were not disclosed.
Earlier Angolan mediation attempts failed to resolve the crisis, underscoring the complexity of eastern Congo’s long-running conflict. The meeting comes days before African Great Lakes defence ministers gather to confront the worsening security situation in Congo.
Zambia’s defence minister is expected to chair the meeting in Livingstone, attended by ministers and chiefs from twelve regional states. The International Conference on the Great Lakes Region includes Angola, Rwanda, Congo, and other neighbours bound by shared security concerns. Meanwhile, clashes erupted on Saturday between M23 fighters and pro-Kinshasa forces near the strategic city of Uvira.
The M23 had announced its withdrawal from Uvira on December 17, citing US pressure and calling for protection against renewed militarisation. As diplomacy continues, eastern Congo remains caught between fragile talks and the echo of gunfire.