Congo to Engage in Peace Talks with M23 Rebels in Angola

Congo’s government will engage in peace talks in Angola with M23 rebels, following escalated tensions due to M23’s territorial gains. President Tshisekedi had previously resisted talks, labeling the group as a terrorist organization. The conflict has resulted in significant humanitarian issues, with the U.N. investigating potential war crimes and the U.S. exploring economic partnerships with Congo.

The government of Congo has confirmed its participation in peace talks scheduled for Tuesday in Angola with the M23 rebel group, which has captured vital regions in Congo’s mineral-rich easterly area. This announcement came from Tina Salama, spokesperson for President Felix Tshisekedi, following his earlier resistance to direct negotiations with the rebels.

In an effort to mediate the conflict, Angola will host these crucial talks. The M23 group, which has garnered support from neighboring Rwanda, will also send a delegation to engage in the discussions. The conflict intensified earlier this year when M23 forces seized the city of Goma, followed by Bukavu in February.

The peace talks had previously been thwarted in December due to Rwanda’s demands for direct dialogue with the M23 rebels, which Congo opposed. President Tshisekedi has firmly stated, “A dialogue with a terrorist group like the M23 is a red line that we will never cross,” underscoring the complexity of these negotiations.

The M23 group is one among numerous armed factions with interests in eastern Congo, contributing to a humanitarian crisis affecting over 7 million displaced individuals. U.N. experts report that the rebels are supported by an estimated 4,000 Rwandan troops and have threatened to advance towards Kinshasa, the capital of Congo.

In a related development, the U.N. Human Rights Council has initiated an inquiry into potential war crimes committed by both parties in the conflict. Furthermore, the U.S. State Department has expressed interest in a mining partnership with Congo, with discussions already underway between U.S. officials and President Tshisekedi concerning security and economic collaboration.

Congo’s involvement in peace talks with the M23 rebels marks a significant step towards addressing ongoing conflicts in the region. The backing of Rwanda for the M23 and the humanitarian crisis resulting from these conflicts underline the complexities of establishing lasting peace. The international community, notably the United States, has shown an interest in supporting Congo through economic partnerships, contingent upon achieving stability within the country.

Original Source: www.winnipegfreepress.com