Congo and M23 Rebel Group Engage in Upcoming Peace Talks Mediated by Angola

Congo and the M23 rebel group will begin peace talks mediated by Angola on March 18 in Luanda. This follows the rebels’ capture of major cities, escalating tensions in eastern Congo. Previous peace talks were unsuccessful, with M23 excluded. The conflict has resulted in millions being displaced, and M23 is reportedly supported by Rwandan troops.

The Republic of Congo is set to engage in peace negotiations with the M23 rebel group, which has recently captured significant regions in eastern Congo, noted as a mineral-rich area. The announcement was made by the mediator, Angola, indicating that talks will commence on March 18 in Luanda, the Angolan capital, as confirmed by a statement from President João Lourenço’s office.

Angola has been instrumental in mediating the conflict, which escalated in January when M23 advanced and seized control over Goma, a key city in eastern Congo. Following this, Bukavu, the second largest city in the region, fell to M23 in February. President Felix Tshisekedi of Congo visited Angola recently to discuss potential peace arrangements.

The Angolan government highlighted the engagement, stating, “Following the diligence carried out by Angolan mediation in the conflict affecting the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, the Government of the Republic of Angola makes public that delegations from the Democratic Republic of Congo and M23 will begin direct peace negotiations, on March 18, in the city of Luanda.” There has been no swift response from the Congolese government regarding this development.

Moreover, Spokesperson Tina Salama expressed the Congolese government’s acknowledgment and anticipation for the Angolan mediation initiative via social media. These forthcoming negotiations follow previous unsuccessful peace talks hosted by Angola that did not involve M23 and focused on their Rwandan supporters.

The M23 rebel group is among approximately 100 armed factions competing for influence in eastern Congo, a region facing a severe humanitarian crisis with over 7 million individuals displaced. It is reported that the group is bolstered by an estimated 4,000 Rwandan troops, and they have expressed ambitions to advance toward Kinshasa, the Congolese capital, which lies over 1,000 miles away.

The impending peace talks between the Republic of Congo and the M23 rebel group, facilitated by Angola, signify a pivotal moment in addressing the escalating conflict in eastern Congo. Despite previous setbacks in negotiations, there is cautious optimism from Congolese officials regarding the mediation initiative. The discussions aim to stabilize a region plagued by humanitarian crises and armed conflict.

Original Source: apnews.com