Following a lightning onslaught, the rebel forces of M23 movement allegedly backed by Rwanda took control of nearly the whole city of Goma, a vital hub for the trade of minerals in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in late January 2025.

DRC & M23 Peace Talks to Begin March 18 in Luanda, Angolan President Says

11:25, 13 March 2025

Ekaterina Shilova

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Since January, the M23 rebels have captured significant territories in the provinces of North Kivu and South Kivu, including the cities of Goma and Bukavu. The DRC authorities accuse Rwanda of supporting the M23, a charge Kigali denies.

Sputnik

Peace talks between the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the M23 rebel group, mediated by Angola, will begin on March 18 in Luanda, Angolan President Joao Lourenco said.

Following DRC President Felix Tshisekedi's visit to Luanda, Kinshasa agreed to direct talks with the M23 rebels, according to the Angolan president’s office. This set the stage for the talks, with Lourenco acting as the African Union's peace mediator for the DRC conflict.

M23 Rebels Offensive in DR Congo (2025)

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Kinshasa has "taken note" of the Angolan mediation, Tshisekedi's spokeswoman, Tina Salama, stated.

On Thursday, leaders from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) will hold a virtual summit to review the security situation in Congo.