Facing a string of battlefield defeats and diminishing regional backing, Democratic Republic of Congo President Felix Tshisekedi is reconsidering his long-standing refusal to negotiate with the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels.
Angola unexpectedly announced this week that direct talks between Congo and the M23 would occur in its capital on March 18.
While Tshisekedi’s government has not publicly confirmed participation, multiple government sources indicate he is seriously contemplating sending a delegation to Luanda.
Regional powers increasingly believe that dialogue is the only viable path forward as the Congolese army struggles against the rebel advance.
One senior diplomat noted the widespread consensus among African nations that engagement is necessary to halt the fighting.
Sources suggest government participation in the Angola talks is likely, though the composition of Kinshasa’s delegation remains uncertain.
M23 has demanded a clear commitment from Tshisekedi to engage in negotiations.