DR Congo and M23 Rebels Confirm Participation in Peace Talks in Angola

The DRC and M23 rebels will participate in peace talks in Angola, marking a shift from previous refusals. The talks aim to address the severe conflict in eastern DRC that has resulted in a humanitarian crisis, with extensive displacement and casualties. Both parties are under pressure to engage, with regional dynamics playing a critical role.

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the M23 rebel group, which has been backed by Rwanda, have confirmed their participation in peace talks set to occur in Angola. This development represents a shift, as the DRC had previously rejected such negotiations aimed at addressing the worsening conflict in its eastern regions. A spokesperson from the M23 announced that they have sent a delegation to Luanda, where key territories in the DRC’s mineral-rich east have been under their control since early this year, resulting in numerous fatalities.

Representatives from the DRC, led by President Felix Tshisekedi’s spokesperson, have also arrived in Luanda for the discussions. Although Tshisekedi had earlier declined to engage directly with the M23 concerning the conflict’s deep-rooted issues, Angola’s initiative has brought the two parties together for potential dialogue. M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka confirmed their participation via social media.

Angola has made efforts over several months to mediate a ceasefire, including an unsuccessful attempt last year when Rwanda insisted on direct talks that the DRC government refused. Following a recent announcement regarding the forthcoming peace negotiations, M23 leader Bertrand Bisimwa proclaimed that the rebels had compelled President Tshisekedi to enter negotiations, stressing the necessity of dialogue for peace.

The ongoing conflict has intensified dramatically since early this year when M23 executed swift offensives, capturing critical cities such as Goma and Bukavu. With approximately 100 armed groups vying for control in the eastern DRC, this conflict has led to one of the most severe humanitarian crises worldwide, displacing over seven million individuals and resulting in approximately 7,000 deaths in 2023 alone. The M23 is reportedly supplemented by around 4,000 Rwandan soldiers and has previously expressed intentions to advance towards the DRC’s capital, Kinshasa.

Rwanda maintains that its forces are operating in self-defense against both the Congolese army and insurgent groups that pose threats to its security. This ongoing conflict traces its roots to the aftermath of the Rwandan genocide of 1994 and the struggle for control of DRC’s abundant mineral resources. In February, the UN Human Rights Council established a commission to investigate allegations of severe human rights violations, including acts of violence and summary executions committed by both factions involved.

In summary, the DRC and M23 rebels’ decision to engage in peace talks in Angola represents a significant development in addressing the long-standing conflict in the eastern DRC. With ongoing humanitarian crises and escalated violence, the negotiations are crucial for restoring stability. The historical context of the conflict and the involvement of regional forces, particularly Rwanda, underscore the complexity of achieving a sustainable peace in the region.

Original Source: www.aljazeera.com

Related posts:

M23 Rebels Engage in Peace Talks with DRC Government in Angola Direct Peace Talks Between Congo and M23 Rebels Scheduled for March 18 in Angola Congo and M23 Rebel Group Set to Hold Peace Talks in Angola Angola to Host Peace Talks Between DRC and M23 Rebels on March 18