The AFC/M23 rebels have confirmed that they are sending a delegation of five members to Luanda, Angola for direct negotiations with the DR Congo government, scheduled for Tuesday, March 18.M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka said their representatives would depart for Luanda on Monday.

Tina Salama, spokesperson for the DRC presidency, told the media that the DRC delegation, originally scheduled to depart for Luanda late Monday, would still proceed with the trip despite the M23's absence. Last Wednesday, Angola announced it would host direct peace negotiations between the DRC government and the M23 rebels in Luanda on March 18. ■