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AFRICA, ANGOLA, AP AFRICA, BUKAVU, CIVIL WAR, CONFLICT RESOLUTION, CONGO, CONGO (KINSHASA), DAKAR, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, EASTERN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, FELIX TSHISEKEDI, GOMA, GOVERNMENT OF THE, HUMANITARIAN, JOÃO LOURENÇO, KINSHASA, LOURENCO, LUANDA, MEDIATOR ANGOLA, NORTH AMERICA, OF ANGOLA, REGIONAL COOPERATION, REPUBLIC, REPUBLIC OF ANGOLA, RWANDA, SENEGAL, SEXUAL VIOLENCE, TSHISEKEDI, U. N, UNITED STATES, WEST AFRICA
Dante Raeburn
Congo and M23 Rebel Group Set to Hold Peace Talks in Angola
Congo’s government will conduct peace talks with the Rwandan-backed M23 rebel group in Luanda, Angola, on March 18. Angola, acting as a mediator, aims to resolve the escalating conflict that has displaced over 7 million people. This initiative follows several canceled negotiations that excluded the M23 group.
The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo is set to engage in peace negotiations with the M23 rebel group, supported by Rwanda, next week in Luanda, Angola. Angolan President João Lourenço announced that these direct peace talks will commence on March 18, having previously mediated the ongoing conflict, which has intensified since late January when M23 captured vital areas including Goma and Bukavu.
Congo President Felix Tshisekedi recently visited Angola to explore the feasibility of peace talks, as stated in an official announcement from Lourenço’s office. The statement highlighted the commitment of both parties to enter negotiations aimed at resolving the escalating conflict in eastern Congo, which has contributed significantly to a humanitarian crisis affecting over 7 million displaced individuals.
Tina Salama, spokesperson for President Tshisekedi, expressed hope for the success of these negotiations on social media. This announcement follows a series of previously canceled talks that had excluded M23 and focused on discussions involving Rwandan support, which further complicated the situation.
The M23 group is one among approximately 100 armed factions operating in eastern Congo, a region notorious for its mineral wealth and ongoing instability. Reports indicate that the M23 rebels are bolstered by around 4,000 Rwandan troops and have displayed aspirations to advance towards the Congolese capital of Kinshasa.
The impending peace talks between the Democratic Republic of Congo and the M23 rebel group signify a critical effort to address the ongoing conflict in eastern Congo. With Angola mediating these discussions, there is cautious optimism regarding the potential for a resolution. The humanitarian crisis resulting from this conflict underscores the urgent need for effective dialogue and lasting peace in the region.
Original Source: apnews.com
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