The Southern African country of Angola has intervened in the escalating conflict between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and M23 rebels, agreeing to mediate between the two parties in a bid to broker a long-term truce.

Following a meeting between DRC President Felix Tshisekedi and Angolan President Joao Lourenco in Angola's capital, Luanda, the Angolan government has set a date for direct negotiations between the warring parties. According to a report by Reuters, the direct peace talks are scheduled to take place on March 18th in Luanda.

However, it remains unclear whether the Congolese government will attend the negotiations, as it has previously refused to engage in talks with the M23 group. Congo's presidential spokesperson, Tina Salama, acknowledged receipt of an invitation for dialogue from Angola but stated that the government is yet to decide on its participation.

In contrast, an M23 representative, Bertrand Bisimwa, welcomed the decision, calling it "a victory of reason" and guaranteeing the group's involvement in future discussions. Bisimwa even suggested that the M23 rebels would be willing to forcefully bring the DRC president to the negotiating table if necessary.

This development comes after earlier peace initiatives to settle the dispute between the DRC and M23 rebels. In early March, the DRC insisted that the M23 rebels first withdraw from the country before any dialogue could be considered. This was in response to the UK government's call for an inclusive dialogue, urging all parties to seek a political solution to the conflict.

The DRC Prime Minister, Judith Suminwa Tuluka, maintained the government's position, stating that Rwanda, which Kinshasa accuses of supporting M23, is the major aggressor endangering the country's territorial integrity and sovereignty. Leaders from Southern African countries, during the extraordinary Summit of the Heads of State and Government of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) on January 31, 2025, in Harare, Zimbabwe, discussed the security situation in the DRC and reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the DRC in its fight against rebel forces.

Angola's intervention is seen as a significant step towards defusing tensions between the DRC and neighboring Rwanda, which has been accused of supporting the Tutsi-led rebel group. Rwanda disputes these claims, but Angola's mediation efforts may provide a crucial opportunity for the parties to find a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

The outcome of the direct peace talks remains uncertain, but Angola's involvement has raised hopes for a potential breakthrough in the region's volatile security situation. As the situation continues to unfold, it is clear that Angola's mediation efforts will be closely watched by regional and international stakeholders.