Angola has acted as a mediator in the conflict in eastern Congo, which escalated in late January when the Rwanda-backed rebels advanced and took control of the strategic eastern Congo city of Goma. M23 seized Bukavu, eastern Congo's second biggest city, last month.

The government of Congo is to meet with M23 rebels next week in Angola, in an attempt to make peace after tensions escalated between the two in January. A statement from Angolan President João Lourenço's office said the parties would begin “direct peace negotiations” in the Angolan capital Luanda.

DAKAR, Senegal — Congo’s government and the M23 rebel group will participate in peace talks on March 18, Angola said Wednesday. A statement from Angolan President João Lourenço’s office said they would begin “direct peace negotiations” in the Angolan capital, Luanda.