DR Congo confirms direct talks with M23

By The Inspirer.

The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has announced that it will engage in direct negotiations with the M23 rebels.

Angola, which has been mediating the talks, confirmed that the discussions will take place on Tuesday, March 18, 2025.

Tina Salama, the spokesperson for President Félix Tshisekedi, told Reuters on March 16, 2025, that the DRC government would participate in the talks.

Salama, however, did not disclose the representatives who will be attending on behalf of the Congolese government.

“As of now, we cannot reveal the members of the delegation that will participate,” she said.

Meanwhile, M23 confirmed over the weekend that it had received an invitation from Angola, issued by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Tete Antonio.

The rebel group had previously demanded clarification from President Félix Tshisekedi, asking him to publicly affirm his willingness to participate in the negotiations.

On several occasions, President Félix Tshisekedi has declared that he would not negotiate with the M23, which he considers a terrorist organization.

The Congolese leader has also repeatedly accused Rwanda of supporting M23, a claim that both parties have strongly denied.