M23 Rebels Engage in Peace Talks with DRC Government in Angola

The M23 rebels will send a delegation to peace talks with the DRC government, starting Tuesday in Angola. This follows a change in policy as the DRC will also participate, reversing its previous position. Angola aims to mediate a ceasefire amidst ongoing conflict linked to Rwanda and its impacts, including thousands of deaths and mass displacement.

The M23 rebels, reportedly backed by Rwanda, announced their decision on Monday to dispatch a delegation to peace talks with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) government in Angola. This meeting will commence on Tuesday in Luanda, following a request from Angolan authorities. Lawrence Kanyuka, spokesperson for the M23-affiliated AFC rebel alliance, confirmed that a five-member team will be traveling to the capital.

In a notable shift, the office of President Felix Tshisekedi declared on Sunday that Kinshasa would also send representatives to participate in the talks, countering the government’s previous commitment to avoid negotiations with the M23 group. Angola has actively sought to mediate a sustainable ceasefire and mitigate tensions between the DRC and Rwanda, which has reportedly supplied arms and military support to the Tutsi-led M23.

Rwanda contends that its forces are merely defending against attacks from the DRC army and other militias perceived as threats. The ongoing conflict in eastern DRC is deeply entrenched, with origins tracing back to Rwanda’s 1994 genocide and has intensified over control of the DRC’s abundant mineral resources. This year has witnessed significant territorial advances by M23, including capturing major cities in eastern DRC.

According to the DRC government’s reports, over 7,000 individuals have perished due to the conflict since January, with at least 600,000 people displaced attributed to ongoing hostilities since November per data from the UN humanitarian office.

The M23’s agreement to engage in peace talks with the DRC government marks a significant development in ongoing hostilities. This dialogue, facilitated by Angola, comes amidst a change in DRC’s stance towards negotiating with the M23. With both parties preparing to address the escalating conflict and its humanitarian repercussions, the international community watches closely for potential resolutions to this longstanding crisis.

Original Source: www.timeslive.co.za