Angola has announced its intention to mediate peace negotiations between the DRC and the M23 militia, following previous failed attempts to include M23 in peace discussions. This initiative comes amidst a severe humanitarian crisis in eastern Congo, marked by millions displaced and ongoing violent confrontations.

Angola has initiated plans to facilitate peace talks between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the M23 militia, connected to Rwanda. A press release from Angolan President Joao Lourenco’s office highlighted this commitment during Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi’s visit to Angola to explore peace initiatives. Angola intends to engage with both the Congolese government and the M23 militia to commence direct negotiations in the near future.

This announcement follows a series of postponed peace discussions that Angola had previously hosted, which did not include the M23 militia and were primarily focused on Rwanda’s involvement. The M23 militia, alongside approximately 4,000 troops from Rwanda, is part of an ongoing conflict in eastern Congo, one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises, resulting in the displacement of over seven million people.

The M23 militia recently conducted a rapid offensive, capturing Goma, the main city in eastern Congo, and also took control of Bukavu. Furthermore, in February, the UN Human Rights Council established a commission to investigate severe human rights violations, including allegations of rape and extrajudicial killings committed by both parties involved in the conflict.

Angola’s role as a mediator in the DRC-M23 conflict marks a critical step towards addressing the ongoing humanitarian crisis in eastern Congo. By facilitating dialogues between the conflicting parties, Angola aims to progress towards peace and stability, which is crucial given the significant displacement and suffering experienced by millions in the region. The international community’s attention remains vital in supporting these efforts and addressing the underlying issues perpetuating the conflict.

Original Source: morningstaronline.co.uk

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