Angola Mediates Direct Talks Between DRC and M23 Amid Escalating Conflict

Angola’s President João Lourenço is facilitating negotiations between the DRC government and the M23 armed group. Following a meeting with Congo’s President Tshisekedi, Angola aims to establish a framework for peace talks in Luanda. The M23 has seized several cities in eastern DRC, with Rwanda accused of backing them, though Kigali denies these claims. The situation is under regional and international analysis, emphasizing the need for direct dialogue to resolve the conflict.

Angola stands as a pivotal mediator in the ongoing crisis in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), with President João Lourenço striving to facilitate direct negotiations between the Congolese government and the M23 armed group. A recent meeting took place between Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi and President Lourenço in Luanda, aiming to address the escalating conflict in the region.

The discussions between the two leaders may lead to direct negotiations between Kinshasa and the M23 group. Following their one-on-one meeting, Angola’s presidency announced intentions to engage with the M23, aiming to create a framework for peace negotiations in Luanda in the near future. The focus remains on establishing a definitive peace agreement in the region.

Angola has been actively working towards a long-term ceasefire and diminishing tensions between the DRC and Rwanda, which is accused of supporting the M23 group. Rwanda has consistently denied these allegations, maintaining that its military forces are acting defensively against threats posed by the Congolese army and local militias.

Since January, the M23 rebels have captured several cities in eastern Congo, escalating an already complex conflict rooted in historical tensions stemming from Rwanda’s 1994 genocide and the struggle for control over Congo’s extensive mineral wealth. The ongoing situation remains a significant concern for regional stability.

In Kinshasa, the Congolese government has historically opposed direct discussions with the M23. However, President Tshisekedi has indicated that dialogue should primarily occur with Rwanda, which he has referred to as the “master” of the M23. After the recent meeting in Luanda, Congolese authorities have stated they are observing the outcomes of Angola’s mediation efforts but remain cautious about the way forward.

A structured framework for negotiations already exists via the Nairobi process, as noted by Tina Salama, spokesperson for the Congolese presidency. Additionally, the current Southern African Development Community (SADC) summit is discussing the DRC situation, alongside upcoming meetings of the European Union and the United Nations Security Council focused on the conflict.

In summary, Angola is making concerted efforts to mediate direct negotiations between the DRC and the M23 group to address the escalating conflict in eastern Congo. As tensions remain high, multilateral discussions are taking place at both regional and international levels to seek solutions. The Congolese government’s shift in stance towards potential negotiations reflects a willingness to explore pathways for peace, though challenges persist with accusations against Rwanda and the complex historical background of the conflict.

Original Source: www.rfi.fr