Angola is mediating peace talks between Kinshasa and the M23 group in eastern DRC. A recent meeting between Presidents Tshisekedi and Lourenço aimed to initiate direct negotiations soon. Tensions with Rwanda, accused of supporting M23, continue to complicate the crisis. The international community is closely monitoring the developments, including upcoming regional and global summits.

Angola is actively mediating the crisis in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), with President João Lourenço facilitating direct negotiations between Kinshasa and the M23 armed group. During a recent meeting in Luanda, Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi and President Lourenço expressed optimism that discussions could rapidly commence.

Following their private meeting, Angola’s presidency announced plans to “establish contacts with the M23,” aiming to facilitate direct negotiations in Luanda in the near future, targeting a conclusive peace agreement in the region. Angola’s efforts are particularly focused on achieving a lasting ceasefire and alleviating tensions between the DRC and neighboring Rwanda, accused of supporting M23.

Rwanda has consistently denied allegations of supplying arms or troops to the M23, asserting that its military operations are purely defensive against threats from Congolese forces and militias. The M23 has made significant territorial gains in eastern Congo, capturing major cities, a development intertwined with a long-standing conflict rooted in the aftermath of Rwanda’s 1994 genocide and the battle over Congo’s rich mineral resources.

In Kinshasa, there has been resistance to direct talks with the M23; President Tshisekedi maintains that negotiations should primarily involve Rwanda, whom he terms the “master” of the M23. However, following further discussions in Luanda, Congolese officials are prepared to consider this new Angolan initiative while emphasizing the framework already established under the Nairobi process.

In the meantime, a summit of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) will address the DRC crisis, while an upcoming EU-South Africa summit on 13 March and a United Nations Security Council meeting on 4 April are also scheduled to focus on conflict resolution in eastern DRC.

In conclusion, Angola is striving to mediate a peaceful resolution to the escalating conflict between the DRC and M23. Recent discussions have provoked a reevaluation of Kinshasa’s stance on direct negotiations, although initial resistance remains. With international attention mounting, there is hope for constructive dialogue and a potential ceasefire amidst longstanding tensions in the region.

Original Source: allafrica.com

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