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.

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.

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.