Angola to Host DRC-M23 Rebel Peace Talks on 18 March

Angola will host direct peace talks between the DRC and M23 rebels on 18 March, aiming to mediate a ceasefire amid escalating conflict. This follows the Congolese government’s tentative openness to discussions, while concerns over human rights abuses and regional implications persist. The situation remains urgent, as thousands have died or been displaced since January.

Angola has announced that direct peace talks between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the M23 rebels will commence in the capital, Luanda, on 18 March. This initiative was confirmed by Angola’s presidency, which indicated its intention to mediate a lasting ceasefire in the ongoing conflict. The Congolese presidency has acknowledged the communication but has not confirmed participation in the talks yet.

Previously resistant to discussions with the M23, the Congolese government has shown a willingness to consider Angola’s proposal. Following the announcement, Tina Salama, spokesperson for President Felix Tshisekedi, stated that the government had received Angola’s invitation. M23 leader Bertrand Bisimwa has expressed confidence, stating that negotiations represent the “only civilized option to resolve the current crisis” that has escalated significantly since January.

An extraordinary summit of Southern African leaders is scheduled for Thursday to address the situation in eastern DRC. Chaired by Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa, this meeting aims to clarify the role of regional armed forces currently deployed in the conflict-affected areas. Since January, M23 rebels have captured Goma and Bukavu, capitalizing on the ongoing turmoil.

The conflict has deep roots, stemming from Rwanda’s 1994 genocide and exacerbated by the competition for control over DRC’s vast mineral resources, which include coltan, cobalt, copper, and lithium. The DRC government reports approximately 7,000 fatalities linked to the conflict since the beginning of the year, with the UN indicating that over 600,000 individuals have been displaced since November.

There is increasing concern regarding human rights abuses in M23-controlled territories. A recent report by Human Rights Watch highlighted documented efforts by Rwandan-backed rebels to suppress civil society, including the harassment and assassination of activists and journalists. This pattern of repression is spreading throughout the North and South Kivu provinces, often with the support of Rwandan forces.

Concerns are growing about the possibility of a wider regional conflict, reminiscent of the devastating wars in the Congo during the 1990s and early 2000s, which resulted in millions of deaths. The presence of troops from regional neighbors such as Burundi, Uganda, and South Africa further complicates the situation and raises alarms about a potential escalation of violence.

The forthcoming peace talks in Angola signify an important step towards addressing the crisis between the DRC and the M23 rebels. While Angola strives to mediate, the complexities of historical grievances and resource competition persist. The human rights situation remains dire, highlighting urgent needs for international attention. Ultimately, the resolution of this conflict could prevent a broader regional war and alleviate the significant humanitarian crisis affecting the region.

Original Source: www.rfi.fr