Congo Engages in Peace Talks with M23 Rebels Amid Ongoing Conflict

The Congolese government will engage in peace talks in Angola with the M23 rebels, who have captured key territories in eastern Congo. Despite earlier refusals to negotiate directly with the rebels, the talks are part of a broader initiative mediated by Angola. The ongoing conflict has created a humanitarian crisis affecting millions.

The government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has announced its participation in peace talks scheduled for Tuesday in Angola with the M23 rebel group, which is allegedly backed by Rwanda. This development was confirmed by Tina Salama, spokesperson for President Felix Tshisekedi, who noted that a delegation from Congo is currently in Luanda for the negotiations. President Tshisekedi had previously resisted direct talks with the rebels.

M23 has also sent a delegation to the talks, according to their spokesperson, Lawrence Kanyuka. The recent conflict escalated in January when the M23 rebel group captured the strategic city of Goma, followed by Bukavu in February, raising concerns over the increasing instability in eastern Congo.

Angola, acting as a mediator, announced the direct peace negotiations while acknowledging the cancellation of previous discussions between Congo and Rwanda last December. Tshisekedi had firmly stated that direct dialogue with groups he considers terrorist, like M23, was unacceptable.

Currently, the M23 group is one of approximately 100 armed factions contesting control in the mineral-rich eastern regions of Congo, exacerbating one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises, with over 7 million individuals displaced.

Reports indicate that the M23 rebels are supported by around 4,000 troops from Rwanda and have threatened to extend their campaign to reach Congo’s capital, Kinshasa. The United Nations Human Rights Council recently established a commission to investigate allegations of severe human rights violations by both the M23 and Congolese forces.

Additionally, the U.S. State Department has expressed interest in establishing a mining partnership with Congo, this follows preliminary discussions that began last week. President Tshisekedi’s meeting with U.S. Representative Ronny Jackson emphasized the importance of fostering American investment in Congo, contingent upon resolving the ongoing conflict in the country.

In summary, the Democratic Republic of the Congo is preparing for peace negotiations with the M23 rebel group in Angola, marking a significant development in the ongoing conflict. The situation remains critical, with ongoing humanitarian issues and international interests, particularly concerning mining partnerships. The successful outcome of these talks may influence both regional stability and economic opportunities.

Original Source: www.winnipegfreepress.com