Peace talks between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the M23 rebel group, mediated by Angola, will start on 18 March in Luanda. The conflict in eastern Congo has displaced thousands.

Peace talks between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the M23 rebel group, mediated by Angola with the aim of ending the conflict in eastern Congo, are set to commence on 18 March in Angola’s capital, Luanda, the Angolan president’s office announced on Wednesday.

The date was confirmed a day after Angola revealed that the government in Kinshasa had agreed to engage in direct negotiations with the M23 rebels, following a visit to Luanda by Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi.

“In light of the efforts undertaken by Angolan mediation regarding the conflict affecting the east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the government of the Republic of Angola announces that delegations from the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the M23 will begin direct peace talks on 18 March in Luanda,” the president’s office stated.

Angolan President João Lourenço serves as the African Union’s peace mediator for the conflict in Congo.

Tina Salama, spokesperson for President Tshisekedi, said Kinshasa had “taken note” of Angola’s mediation efforts.

Since December, the rebel group has intensified its offensive in eastern Congo, seizing the provincial capitals of Goma and Bukavu.

Last week, the rebels captured Nyabiondo, located 110 kilometres (68 miles) northwest of Goma in North Kivu province, following several days of intense fighting with government forces and the pro-government militia Wazalendo.

The conflict has displaced thousands of residents, forcing them to flee to surrounding territories and neighbouring countries, according to the UN.

Congo and other parties accuse neighbouring Rwanda of supporting the M23 rebels, though Rwanda has denied the allegations.

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