Angola’s president and African Union representatives on Monday urged an immediate ceasefire in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo after talks in Luanda.
The appeal followed a meeting with Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi, as regional leaders pressed for renewed momentum in stalled peace efforts.
Eastern Congo, rich in minerals and bordering Rwanda and Burundi, has endured decades of violence linked to the Rwandan-backed M23 armed group.
Fighting intensified last year when M23 seized key cities, defying diplomatic initiatives including a US-brokered agreement and parallel Qatari mediation.
In a statement, Angolan President and AU chair Joao Lourenco called on all parties to agree a ceasefire date.
He also urged faster implementation of ceasefire verification mechanisms agreed during talks in Doha in October 2025.
The statement was signed by Tshisekedi, Togolese President Faure Gnassingbe, and former Nigerian leader Olusegun Obasanjo, key figures in the AU process.
Leaders reaffirmed support for the US-brokered peace deal and mandated Angola to consult widely with Congolese political stakeholders.
Qatar has mediated between Kinshasa and M23 for months, securing a preliminary ceasefire commitment signed in July.
Separately, Congo and Rwanda formalised a US-backed peace agreement in Washington in December.
The deals envision a permanent ceasefire monitored with support from the UN mission in Congo, known as MONUSCO.
However, hopes dimmed after an M23 drone attack on Kisangani airport last week signalled renewed escalation.