DR Congo to Engage in Peace Talks with M23 Rebels in Angola

The DRC government will participate in peace talks with the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels in Angola, marking a shift from previous refusals for direct negotiations. Angola mediates this critical dialogue amid escalating conflict and severe humanitarian crises in the region, while the US expresses interest in mining partnerships dependent on stability in DRC.

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is slated to engage in peace negotiations with the M23 rebel group, supported by Rwanda, in Luanda, Angola. This announcement was made by Tina Salama, the spokesperson for President Felix Tshisekedi, indicating that a DRC delegation is already present in the Angolan capital for these discussions. Previously, Mr. Tshisekedi had dismissed the notion of entering direct negotiations with the rebels.

M23, which has gained significant territory in the mineral-rich eastern DRC, is also sending a delegation to participate in the talks, as confirmed by the group’s spokesperson, Lawrence Kanyuka. The escalation of this conflict, highlighted by the rebels’ seizure of Goma in January and Bukavu in February, marks a critical moment in the region’s ongoing strife.

Angola has taken on the role of mediator and will facilitate these peace talks, originally scheduled after failed negotiations in December over Rwanda’s conditions for dialogue with M23. Mr. Tshisekedi had previously stated, “A dialogue with a terrorist group like the M23 is a red line that we will never cross.”

M23 is among approximately 100 armed factions contending for control in eastern DRC, an area plagued by a humanitarian crisis resulting in over seven million displaced persons. Reports show M23 receiving support from around 4,000 Rwandan troops, and they have threatened to advance toward Kinshasa, the DRC capital.

Last month, the UN Human Rights Council initiated an inquiry into reported atrocities involving both armed groups, including grave allegations of violence against civilians. Amidst these developments, the US State Department expressed interest in discussing potential mining partnerships in DRC, with preliminary talks already commenced.

President Tshisekedi recently engaged with US special envoy Ronny Jackson to explore opportunities for security and economic collaborations. Mr. Jackson emphasized the necessity of establishing peace for US companies to invest in DRC, stating, “We want to work together so that [US] companies can invest and work in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and for that, we have to make sure there is peace in the country.”

In conclusion, the DRC’s engagement in peace talks with the M23 rebel group marks a significant turning point in their ongoing conflict, having previously resisted direct negotiations. With the support of Angola as a mediator and the backdrop of a dire humanitarian crisis, these discussions could pave the way for stability in the region. Furthermore, the potential for US investment highlights the intricate link between security and economic development in DRC, stressing the need for effective conflict resolution measures.

Original Source: morningstaronline.co.uk