Angolan President Joao Lourenco has called for an immediate ceasefire in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, aiming to halt escalating violence.
The directive demands hostilities cease by midnight on March 16, 2025.
This move precedes scheduled peace talks in Luanda, where Lourenco will mediate between the Congolese government and the M23 armed group.
The Angolan presidency’s statement stressed the need for a complete halt to all hostile actions.
This includes attacks on civilians and attempts to seize new territory.
The call for peace seeks to establish a stable environment for upcoming negotiations.
Direct peace talks between the Congolese government and M23 are slated to begin Tuesday.
President Felix Tshisekedi of the DRC, initially resistant to M23 talks, agreed to negotiations after a visit to Luanda this week.
The M23, backed by Rwandan troops, has rapidly gained control in resource-rich eastern DRC regions.
UN experts estimate approximately 4,000 Rwandan soldiers support the M23.
Goma and Bukavu, key cities near the Rwandan border, have fallen under M23 control since January.
