Congo's former President Joseph Kabila has initiated talks with opposition politicians about the country's political future as Rwanda-backed rebels seize territory in the east, five sources familiar with the outreach told Reuters.

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.