Angola announced on Tuesday (March 11, 2025) its plans to mediate in the conflict between Congo and the Rwandan-backed rebel group M23, as stated in a press release published on the official page of the Angolan president’s office.
During a visit to Angola, President Felix Tshisekedi of Congo discussed the possibility of a peace process. The press release revealed that Angola will initiate communication with both the Congolese government and M23 rebels, with face-to-face negotiations set to take place in the near future.
This development follows the cancellation of previous peace talks facilitated by Angola, which had previously excluded M23 and focused solely on their Rwandan supporters.
M23 is among the numerous armed factions competing for control in the resource-rich eastern region of Congo, near the Rwandan border, contributing to a severe humanitarian crisis. The conflict has resulted in the displacement of over 7 million individuals.
The rebel group, reportedly backed by 4,000 Rwandan troops according to U.N. experts, has expressed intentions to advance towards Kinshasa, Congo’s capital, located over 1,000 miles away.
In a swift three-week campaign, M23 seized control of Goma, the primary city in eastern Congo, and captured Bukavu, the second-largest city, in the previous month.
The U.N. Human Rights Council recently established a commission to investigate alleged atrocities, including reports of rape and summary executions committed by both conflicting parties.
Published – March 12, 2025 05:26 am IST
