Angolan President João Lourenço has called for an immediate ceasefire in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), urging warring factions to halt hostilities by midnight on March 16.
Lourenço, acting as mediator in the conflict between the Congolese government and the Rwandan-backed M23 rebel group, issued the plea ahead of peace talks set to begin in Luanda on Tuesday.
His statement emphasized the need to end all violence, including attacks on civilians and territorial advances, to create a suitable climate for negotiations.
“The expectation is that these and other initiatives will lead to the creation of a climate of détente conducive to the start of peace talks,” the Angolan presidency stated.
The crisis in eastern DRC has escalated rapidly since January, with the M23 seizing key cities such as Goma and Bukavu.
Supported by an estimated 4,000 Rwandan soldiers, according to UN experts, the group has gained strategic control over the mineral-rich region near the Rwandan border.
Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi has previously refused direct negotiations with the M23 but, following a visit to Luanda this week, has now agreed to talks.
Whether this diplomatic push will curb the conflict remains uncertain, as tensions continue to grip the volatile region.