DR Congo: Angolan President Calls for Midnight Ceasefire

Editorial: Widad Wahbi

The Angolan president, acting as a mediator in the conflict between the Congolese authorities and the M23 armed group in eastern DR Congo, has called for a ceasefire starting at midnight.
According to a statement from the Angolan presidency, João Lourenço “calls on all parties to the conflict to cease hostilities in eastern DR Congo from 00:00 on March 16, 2025.” Luanda is set to host “direct peace negotiations” between the Congolese government and the March 23 Movement starting Tuesday.
“This ceasefire should include all potential hostile actions against civilians, as well as any further territorial advances in the conflict zone, aiming to establish a climate conducive to dialogue and the initiation of peace talks,” the statement added.
Until now, Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi had refused to engage in talks with M23, which is accused of receiving support from Rwandan forces. The group has made rapid territorial gains in eastern DR Congo since the beginning of the year, seizing key towns. However, this stance appears to have shifted following the announcement by the Angolan mediator of “direct peace negotiations” starting Tuesday, following Félix Tshisekedi’s visit to Luanda.