The March 23 Movement (M23) has outlined terms and conditions for engaging in direct negotiations with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) government, as efforts to resolve the ongoing conflict in eastern Congo gain momentum.
Earlier this week, Angolan President João Lourenço’s office announced that direct talks between Kinshasa and M23 would commence on March 18 in Luanda.
Angola has played a key mediating role in the conflict, which escalated in late January, leading to the rebel occupation of key cities, including Goma and Bukavu, as well as Goma International Airport and Kavumu Airport.
DRC President Felix Tshisekedi had previously rejected direct engagement with M23, making this development a significant shift in the peace process.
Religious leaders, including those from the National Episcopal Conference of Congo (CENCO) and the Church of Christ in Congo (ECC), have welcomed the negotiations, calling them a crucial step toward restoring peace in DRC and the wider Great Lakes region.
M23’s political spokesperson, Lawrence Kanyuka, issued a statement on Friday demanding that Tshisekedi publicly and unequivocally commit to direct negotiations with the movement, with clear terms of reference agreed upon by all stakeholders.
The group also seeks clarity on the implementation of resolutions adopted at the February 8, 2025, joint summit of the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Both Angola and the DRC government have yet to respond to M23’s demands.
