The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) announced on Friday that it has accepted the principle of a ceasefire proposed by Angola, commending the mediation efforts of Angolan President João Lourenço aimed at achieving a lasting return to peace in the Great Lakes region.
In a statement, the Congolese Presidency indicated that the President of the Republic, Félix Tshisekedi, had given his approval “in a spirit of responsibility and appeasement,” in order to promote a peaceful resolution to the conflict in the eastern part of the country.
Kinshasa stated that it “takes note” of the Angolan initiative and reaffirmed its commitment to regional stability.
Angola, which has been mediating in the crisis in the DRC since 2022, proposed on Wednesday evening that a ceasefire between the Congolese government and the armed group M23 should enter into force on 18 February.
The proposed date remains subject to a public declaration of acceptance by the parties concerned, according to a statement issued by Angola. M23 has not responded to this proposal.
