Congo Evaluates Participation in M23 Peace Talks Amid Ongoing Conflict

The Democratic Republic of Congo is considering attending peace talks with the M23 rebel group in Angola. These talks represent a shift in President Tshisekedi’s approach, with M23 calling for direct negotiations and a mediation team. The SADC has announced a phased withdrawal of troops, complicating the government’s efforts against the rebels, who have made significant territorial advances.

The Democratic Republic of Congo is contemplating sending representatives to peace talks with the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group, as organized by Angola. These discussions, scheduled for next week, follow the rebels’ recent demands to the mediation team. Angola’s ongoing mediation efforts aim to establish a sustained ceasefire and alleviate tensions between Congo and Rwanda, which has been accused of supporting the M23 rebels, allegations that Rwanda denies.

Angola’s presidency announced that discussions between Congo and M23 will commence in Luanda next Tuesday, marking the first direct negotiations between the two parties. President Félix Tshisekedi has previously been opposed to direct talks, and the Congolese government has not officially confirmed its participation in this dialogue. President Tshisekedi expressed his hope that the negotiations would lead to viable solutions to the crisis in a recent post.

Two sources within the Congolese government indicated to Reuters that they are currently evaluating the latest proposal from Angola. They noted that although the process is in its early stages, Kinshasa prefers a brief engagement, though this may take longer than anticipated. Decisions regarding representation in the talks will ultimately rest with the head of state, they said. Furthermore, they clarified that direct discussions with the M23 do not absolve Rwanda of its responsibilities in the ongoing conflict.

The M23 rebels have responded positively to Angola’s initiative but have requested a public commitment from President Tshisekedi to participate directly in negotiations. In their statement, they called for a mediation team and outlined their expectations regarding the implementation of resolutions from a recent summit involving Eastern and Southern African blocs. The rebels asserted that only through direct negotiations can a sustainable resolution to the crisis be achieved.

In related news, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) announced the termination of its troop deployment mandate in Congo. This decision includes intentions for a phased withdrawal of troops, which could further complicate President Tshisekedi’s efforts to manage the ongoing M23 advances. The SADC mission had been instituted in December 2023 to aid the Congolese government in combating various rebel factions amid rising conflict, particularly in light of M23’s recent territorial gains in eastern Congo.

As of now, Alphamin Resources has suspended operations at its tin mine in eastern Congo due to the advancing rebels, highlighting the destabilizing impact of the ongoing conflict on essential economic activities in the region.

In summary, the Democratic Republic of Congo is weighing its participation in peace talks with the M23 rebels, with Angola mediating to facilitate the dialogue. The discussions are viewed as pivotal, as M23 has made specific demands regarding the negotiation process. Concurrently, the withdrawal of the SADC’s military presence poses further challenges for the Congolese government amid ongoing tensions with the rebels. The situation remains fluid, necessitating careful consideration from the Congolese leadership.

Original Source: www.straitstimes.com