Angola to Host Peace Talks between DRC and M23 Rebels Starting March 18

Angola will host direct peace talks between the Democratic Republic of Congo and M23 rebels on 18 March. While Congo acknowledges the initiative, participation remains unconfirmed. The region is experiencing escalating violence and humanitarian crises, with fears of a broader conflict involving multiple nations.

Angola announced that direct peace talks between the Democratic Republic of Congo and M23 rebels are set to commence in Luanda on 18 March. This information was conveyed through an official statement by the Angolan presidency, while the Congolese presidency has acknowledged receiving the notification without confirming their participation. Angola’s initiative seeks to mediate a lasting ceasefire amidst ongoing tensions involving M23 and Rwanda, which has faced accusations of supporting the rebel faction, although Rwanda denies these claims.

Congo’s government previously declined to engage in direct negotiations with the M23 group. However, on Tuesday, the government took note of Angola’s proposition. Tina Salama, spokesperson for President Felix Tshisekedi, announced that while the invitation was received, participation in the talks remains unconfirmed. M23 leader Bertrand Bisimwa expressed confidence over the upcoming negotiations, calling them “the only civilised option to resolve the current crisis” which has escalated significantly since January.

An extraordinary summit involving leaders from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) will also address the situation in eastern DRC. This summit, chaired by Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa, aims to assess the role of regional armed forces deployed in eastern Congo. The M23 rebels have gained control of Goma and Bukavu, two provincial capitals, heightening the conflict in the region and extending their influence to smaller villages.

The ongoing conflict is intricately linked to the repercussions of the 1994 Rwandan genocide and the competition for access to Congo’s abundant mineral resources, including coltan, cobalt, copper, and lithium, which are critical for global technology and renewable energy advancements. The Congolese government reports a death toll of at least 7,000 and the displacement of over 600,000 individuals due to violence since November, as per UN figures.

Concerns from organizations like Human Rights Watch regarding the diminishing civic space in M23-controlled areas have been raised. A recent report indicated that the Rwandan-backed rebels engage in the harassment and detention of civil society activists and journalists, which reportedly has led to the assassination of two individuals. This pattern of repression now appears to be extending into North and South Kivu provinces with potential assistance from Rwanda.

With troops from neighboring countries such as Burundi, Uganda, and South Africa stationed in eastern DRC, there are rising fears of a wider conflict resembling the catastrophic Congo wars of the late 1990s, which resulted in millions of casualties.

The announcement of direct peace talks facilitated by Angola represents a significant development in addressing the ongoing conflict between the Democratic Republic of Congo and M23 rebels. While the Congolese government has yet to confirm participation, the urgency for resolution is underscored by the humanitarian crisis in the region. The complexities of the situation, rooted in historical grievances and resource struggles, necessitate careful navigation to prevent a larger regional conflict.

Original Source: www.rfi.fr