Angolan President João Lourenço, who is currently leading the African Union, has called for an immediate ceasefire in the ongoing conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
Lourenço has urged all involved parties to cease hostilities starting at midnight local time on Sunday, aiming to foster a peaceful environment for forthcoming peace negotiations.
A statement from the Angolan presidency emphasized that the ceasefire should encompass all acts of aggression against civilians and prevent any attempts to secure new territorial gains in the conflict area. The negotiations are scheduled to occur in Luanda, Angola, on March 18, marking the first meeting between the DRC government and the M23 rebels in three years.
While the DRC government has yet to officially confirm its attendance, the M23 has shown support for Angola’s peace initiative, urging President Felix Tshisekedi to publicly commit to direct talks.
The conflict has intensified recently, with M23 rebels seizing significant towns in North and South Kivu provinces, resulting in the displacement of thousands and exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. Despite ongoing diplomatic efforts, violence between the DRC and the M23 persists, underscoring the critical need for dialogue.
