Direct peace talks between the Democratic Republic of Congo and M23 rebels will begin in the Angolan capital on March 18, Angola's presidency said in a statement on Wednesday.

In January, the Rwanda-backed group captured key areas of Congo’s mineral-rich east, escalating tensions. View on euronews

Angola has announced plans to act as a mediator in the conflict between Congo and the Rwandan-backed rebel group M23

Democratic Republic of Congo and M23 rebels will engage in direct negotiations in the coming days to end the conflict in the country’s mineral-rich east, according to the presidency of Angola, which will mediate the talks.