Violence in Congo-Kinshasa

Sources: Peace talks with M23 may drag on

Talks between the Congo-Kinshasa government and the M23 rebel group may drag on, government sources told Reuters.

“This is a process that has been initiated. Kinshasa hopes it will be short, but it is possible that it will be long,” one of the sources said.

The talks are to begin in Angola next week. It will be the first time the two warring sides have held direct talks with each other.

Congo-Kinshasa President Felix Tshisekedi has previously rejected direct contact with M23 and has not publicly confirmed that any talks will take place.

Congo government ready for talks with rebels

The Congo-Kinshasa government will hold peace talks with the M23 rebel group next week, several news agencies report. The talks will take place in the Angolan capital Luanda.

M23, which is supported by Rwanda, has carried out a lightning offensive in the mineral-rich eastern parts of Congo-Kinshasa at the beginning of the year, and has taken control of several large cities.

The rebel group has previously said it wants dialogue, but Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi has so far refused to engage in any talks.