Angola Mediates Direct Talks Between Kinshasa and M23 in DRC Crisis

Angola is mediating direct negotiations between the DRC and the M23 rebel group, following a meeting between Presidents Tshisekedi and Lourenço. The aim is to establish lasting peace amid the ongoing conflict. Authorities in Kinshasa are now open to this approach and recognize existing frameworks for negotiations. Discussions at regional and international meetings are expected to address the DRC crisis further.

Angola is actively mediating the ongoing crisis in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and is facilitating direct negotiations between Kinshasa and the M23 rebel group. During a recent meeting, Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi and Angolan President João Lourenço discussed strategies to initiate these crucial discussions in Luanda.

Following their one-on-one meeting, Angola’s presidency announced its intention to establish contacts with M23, allowing both DRC and M23 delegations to engage in direct negotiations in the coming days. Their primary aim is to achieve enduring peace in the region, which has been significantly impacted by ongoing conflict.

The effort to mediate a ceasefire also addresses tensions with Rwanda, which has been accused of supporting the M23. Rwanda’s government denies these allegations, asserting that its military actions are defensive, targeting hostile militias and the Congolese army. Since January, M23 has captured several key cities in eastern Congo, perpetuating a conflict rooted in the fallout from Rwanda’s 1994 genocide and the struggle over the DRC’s mineral wealth.

Historically, Kinshasa has resisted direct talks with the M23, preferring instead to negotiate with Rwanda, which President Tshisekedi has characterized as the group’s “master.” However, following the Luanda meeting, Congolese officials are now considering this new Angolan mediation approach and have acknowledged an existing framework for negotiations, known as the Nairobi process.

Additionally, as part of regional discussions, a summit of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) is scheduled for Wednesday, where the DRC crisis will be a primary focus. The situation will further be addressed at the upcoming EU-South Africa summit on March 13 and within an upcoming United Nations Security Council meeting on April 4.

In summary, Angola’s mediation efforts aim to facilitate direct negotiations between the DRC government and the M23 rebel group, with potential ramifications for regional stability. Established dialogues and upcoming international summits indicate a concerted effort to address this prolonged conflict, influenced by both local and external dynamics. The Angolan approach has garnered attention from Congolese authorities as they consider strategies for moving forward in the peace process.

Original Source: www.rfi.fr