M23 Group Welcomes Angola’s Mediation Offer and Seeks Clarification on DRC Engagement

M23 has welcomed Angola’s mediation offer for discussions with the DRC government, seeking clarifications on DRC’s participation and the involvement of all stakeholders. The group reiterates that a military solution is inadequate for resolving the ongoing crisis. Recent SADC communications affirmed regional support for mediation efforts while announcing troop withdrawals from Eastern DRC.

The M23 group has officially accepted Angola’s mediation offer aimed at facilitating dialogue with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) government, scheduled to commence later this month. However, spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka has requested clarifications regarding the DRC’s participation, emphasizing the need for President Felix Tshisekedi to openly commit to direct negotiations with the group.

Furthermore, M23 expressed the necessity for the mediation team to ensure the involvement of all stakeholders in the initiative, highlighting that their awareness of the mediation offer primarily came through social media. The group stated, “AFC/M23 hereby reiterates that there is no military solution to the ongoing crisis in the DRC that can effectively address the root cause of the conflicts ravaging our country.”

M23 also seeks clarity on the implementation of resolutions adopted during the EAC and SADC Heads of State summit, which took place on February 8 in Dar es Salaam. This request follows a recent SADC communique reaffirming its dedication to the Luanda/Nairobi peace process while notifying of troop withdrawals from Eastern DRC.

The communique further emphasized support from the United Nations Security Council resolution 2773, guiding efforts for a sustainable resolution to restore peace and security in Eastern DRC. It recognized regional initiatives and high-level meetings convened by various organizations as pivotal in addressing the ongoing crises.

Previously, the joint EAC/SADC summit appointed former leaders including Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya, Olusegun Obasanjo of Nigeria, and Ethiopia’s Hailemariam Boshe to facilitate peace efforts in the region. The communique urged all parties to adhere to the ceasefire declared by the EAC-SADC Summit, calling for an end to hostilities in Eastern DRC.

In summary, the M23 group has embraced Angola’s mediation proposal but insists on crucial clarifications regarding the DRC’s engagement and the inclusion of all stakeholders. The ongoing efforts to reach a sustainable peace through high-level negotiations underscore the essential need for dialogue over military solutions. Timely cooperation from all parties is critical to achieving lasting peace in the region.

Original Source: eastleighvoice.co.ke