Angolan President João Lourenço has called for an immediate ceasefire in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), urging both the government and M23 rebels to stop hostilities before crucial peace talks in Luanda.
Lourenço, who currently chairs the African Union, wants all fighting to end by midnight on Sunday to create a calm environment for negotiations. His plea comes as the conflict worsens, with M23 rebels capturing strategic towns in North and South Kivu provinces. The United Nations estimates that over 500,000 people have been displaced in the past year alone due to the ongoing violence.
The talks, scheduled for March 18 in Angola, mark the first formal meeting between the DRC government and M23 rebels in three years. However, Kinshasa has not yet confirmed its participation. Meanwhile, M23 leaders have welcomed Angola’s mediation efforts and urged DRC President Félix Tshisekedi to commit publicly to the talks.
Crisis Deepens as Violence Escalates
The resurgence of M23, a rebel group with historical ties to Rwanda, has intensified tensions in the region. The DRC accuses Rwanda of supporting the group, a claim Kigali denies. Despite previous ceasefires and regional interventions, fighting has continued, forcing thousands to flee their homes.
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Recent reports indicate that M23 forces have taken control of key mining regions, a major concern for the DRC, which relies on its vast mineral wealth. The country holds over 60% of the world’s cobalt reserves, a crucial material for electric vehicle batteries, making the conflict not just a regional issue but a global one.
Humanitarian organizations warn that food shortages and attacks on villages have worsened the situation. The World Food Programme (WFP) says at least 26 million people in the DRC face food insecurity, making it one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises.
Hope for Peace or Another Deadlock?
Despite ongoing violence, there is cautious optimism surrounding the Luanda talks. Angola, a key player in regional diplomacy, has successfully mediated conflicts in the past, including its role in brokering peace deals between DRC and Rwanda.
However, past ceasefires have often been short-lived. Observers say the success of this peace process depends on the willingness of both sides to engage in meaningful dialogue and the enforcement of any agreements reached.
For now, the world watches as Angola attempts to broker a deal that could bring stability to a region scarred by decades of conflict.
