Angola will host direct peace talks between the DRC and M23 rebels on March 18, amidst rising tensions and an escalating humanitarian crisis. The DRC acknowledges the Angolan initiative but has not confirmed its participation. The conflict has resulted in significant casualties and displacement, raising concerns about the implications for regional stability.

On March 18, direct peace talks between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the M23 rebels will commence in Angola, as confirmed by Angola’s presidency. The Congolese government has noted the initiative, but has yet to confirm its participation in the negotiations.

Angola has proposed to mediate a ceasefire and ease tensions between the DRC and Rwanda, accused of supporting the M23 rebels, though Rwanda denies these allegations. The Congolese government had previously resisted engaging in direct talks with the M23 but acknowledged the Angolan proposal this week.

M23 leader Bertrand Bisimwa stated that coercing Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi to negotiate was the only civilized path forward amid escalating conflicts since January. The DRC’s situation will also be addressed at an extraordinary Southern African Development Community (SADC) summit, aimed at clarifying the role of regional armed forces stationed in eastern Congo.

The conflict has escalated with M23 seizing Goma and Bukavu and has resulted in over 7,000 fatalities and the displacement of approximately 600,000 individuals since November, according to the UN. Human Rights Watch has raised concerns about deteriorating civil liberties in areas controlled by M23, highlighting the repression of civil society and the ominous rise of violent tactics.

Congo’s neighboring countries, including Burundi and Uganda, maintain military presence in eastern DRC, further igniting fears of a broader regional conflict reminiscent of the devastating Congo wars in the 1990s and early 2000s that claimed millions of lives.

– The situation remains critical, with significant humanitarian implications and potential repercussions across the region.

The impending peace talks on March 18 symbolize a crucial opportunity for addressing the ongoing conflict between the DRC and M23 rebels. As Angola seeks to mediate, the situation’s complexity, exacerbated by regional dynamics, underscores the urgency for comprehensive dialogue. The humanitarian crisis continues to deepen, necessitating immediate attention from both local and international actors to prevent further escalation and protect affected populations.

Original Source: www.rfi.fr

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