M23 Accuses DRC Government of Sabotaging Peace Talks Amid Rising Tensions

M23 has accused the DRC government of attempting to sabotage peace talks in Angola. The group alleges that the DRC government bombed populated areas, reflecting a strategy to undermine negotiations. A ceasefire has been proposed but remains unacknowledged by either party, while M23 continues to control key cities with Rwandan military support.

The armed group M23, which is backed by Rwanda, has accused the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) of undermining peace negotiations scheduled to occur in Angola. M23’s spokesman, Lawrence Kanyuka, criticized the DRC government for allegedly conducting bombings in densely populated areas. He stated that this escalation “demonstrates the Kinshasa regime’s intent to sabotage the long-awaited dialogue.”

Kanyuka noted that M23 received an invitation from Angola for direct talks with the DRC government on Tuesday in Luanda. Angolan President Joao Lourenco has called for a ceasefire starting midnight on Sunday; however, none of the involved parties, including the DRC government, have responded to this appeal.

Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi has expressed reluctance to engage in discussions with M23, which has gained significant territory in eastern DRC with support from around 4,000 Rwandan soldiers. Following Tshisekedi’s recent visit to Luanda, there is renewed hope for “direct peace negotiations” set to commence on Tuesday. Since January, M23 has exerted control over major cities in eastern DRC, including Goma and Bukavu, both of which are strategically located near the Rwandan border.

The M23 group’s allegations against the DRC government highlight the escalating tensions in eastern DRC as peace talks approach. With calls for a ceasefire unacknowledged, the situation remains precarious. The involvement of Rwandan troops complicates the conflict further, necessitating urgent and effective dialogue to address the humanitarian and security concerns in the region.

Original Source: www.jacarandafm.com