Peace talks between the DRC government and M23 rebels are set for March 18 in Angola, amidst an ongoing conflict that has claimed thousands of lives and displaced many. The talks are being mediated by Angola, with unresolved issues surrounding foreign support and ethnic tensions at the forefront.

Peace talks are scheduled between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) government and the M23 rebels in Angola on March 18, as reported by Al Jazeera and Reuters. This conflict, which has been ongoing since January 2025, has resulted in numerous fatalities and a significant displacement crisis, with thousands having lost their homes.

Angola is playing a mediating role in the escalating conflict in eastern Congo, which intensified when M23 rebels gained control of the strategic city of Goma in late January. They subsequently captured Bukavu, the second-largest city in the region, further aggravating the situation.

The Congolese government estimates that at least 7,000 individuals have died in the fighting since January, with the UN Office for Humanitarian Affairs reporting that over 600,000 people have fled their homes since November 2024. The Congolese authorities have accused Rwanda of supporting the Tutsi-led M23 group, which Rwanda has denied.

President Felix Tshisekedi of the DRC visited Angola on March 11 to discuss the potential for negotiations. His spokeswoman confirmed that the government received an official invitation from Angola regarding the talks, although it remains uncertain if the president will attend.

Rebel leader Bertrand Bisimwa expressed on X that he compelled President Tshisekedi to engage in negotiations, emphasizing that it is the “only civilized option for resolving the current crisis.” The M23 rebels, originally formed in 2012, consist mainly of Tutsis dissatisfied with perceived discrimination and competition over resources and power in the region.

In February, despite a declared ceasefire, M23 and Rwandan forces resumed their offensive in eastern DRC, capturing the city of Nyabibwe, which is located 96 km from South Kivu’s capital.

The upcoming peace talks in Angola signify a crucial effort to address the ongoing conflict between the DRC government and M23 rebels. With severe humanitarian impacts and significant loss of life, the negotiations might offer a path towards stability. The outcome will heavily depend on the engagement of both parties and the influence of international mediators. Continued violence, including recent offensives by the M23 and Rwandan troops, underscores the urgent need for a resolution to this protracted crisis.

Original Source: unn.ua

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