The DRC government and M23 rebels will hold peace talks in Luanda on March 18, mediated by Angola. Recent fighting has escalated, with the M23 making significant territorial gains. The Luanda Process has stalled since December alongside efforts to revive the Nairobi Process, which faces challenges in reconciling differing perspectives on the M23.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) government and the M23 rebel group are set to engage in direct peace talks in Luanda, Angola, on March 18. This information was confirmed by the Angolan government through a Facebook statement, following a meeting between Angolan President Joao Lourenco and DRC President Felix Tshisekedi, where Angola committed to act as a mediator in these discussions.

Recent months have seen an escalation in clashes between the DRC government and the M23, with significant territorial gains made by the rebels in the eastern provinces of North Kivu and South Kivu. The Congo River Alliance, a group allied with the M23, has established a parallel administration in these regions, complicating the situation further.

The ongoing Luanda Process has been stalled since December when a summit between Presidents Tshisekedi and Paul Kagame of Rwanda was unexpectedly canceled. This was due to Kagame’s absence and concerns from Rwanda about the DRC’s unwillingness to engage directly with the M23.

In addition to the upcoming talks, the DRC is considering reviving the Nairobi Process, a peace initiative facilitated by the East African Community. This initiative allows Kinshasa to interact with various armed factions, including the M23. However, gains have been limited, with Kenyatta’s spokesperson noting that the initiative has reached a stalemate because the DRC excludes the M23 from discussions, viewing it as a proxy for foreign interests.

The impending peace talks in Luanda signify a crucial step in addressing the ongoing conflict between the DRC government and the M23 rebel group. With increasing violence in the eastern provinces and external influences at play, the success of these negotiations will impact regional stability and the broader peace efforts underway in the DRC.

Original Source: www.independent.co.ug

Related posts:

Angola Mediates Direct Negotiations Between Kinshasa and M23 in DRC Crisis Angola to Initiate Peace Talks with M23 Rebels for the DRC Angola to Mediate Peace Talks Between DRC and M23 Rebels Direct Peace Talks Between Congo and M23 Rebels Scheduled for March 18 in Angola