Angola to Host Direct Peace Talks Between Congo and M23 Rebels

Direct peace negotiations between the DRC and M23 rebels are set for March 18 in Angola. The DRC government has acknowledged the Angolan proposal, while the M23 emphasizes the need for dialogue. The humanitarian crisis continues to escalate, with thousands dead and displaced since January.

On March 18, direct peace talks between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the M23 rebels are set to commence in Angola’s capital, as announced by the Angolan presidency. Although the Congolese government has acknowledged receipt of this proposal, its response regarding participation remains unconfirmed. Angola’s mediation efforts aim to establish a lasting ceasefire and reduce tensions between the DRC and Rwanda, accused of supporting the M23 group—a claim Rwanda denies.

Previously, the DRC government had been reluctant to engage in discussions with the M23. However, with Angola’s intervention, it has now expressed its acknowledgment of the initiative. Spokesperson for President Felix Tshisekedi, Tina Salama, indicated that while the invitation from Angola was received, no decision on participation has been made. M23 leader Bertrand Bisimwa communicated via social media, branding negotiation as “the only civilized option to resolve the current crisis,” which has escalated since January.

An extraordinary summit of Southern African Development Community (SADC) heads of state is also scheduled to discuss the situation in eastern DRC. This meeting, conducted via videoconference and chaired by Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa, aims to address the status of regional armed forces active in eastern Congo. M23 rebels have recently captured major provincial capitals Goma and Bukavu, escalating their territorial advancements in the region.

This conflict stems from both historical issues linked to Rwanda’s 1994 genocide and the ongoing contest for control over DRC’s rich mineral resources, including coltan, cobalt, copper, and lithium, which are crucial for modern technology and sustainable energy initiatives. According to the DRC government, the recent violence has resulted in approximately 7,000 casualties since January, alongside the displacement of at least 600,000 individuals, as reported by the UN.

Human Rights Watch has raised alarms about the diminishing space for civil society in territories controlled by the M23. Their recent report reveals systematic actions by Rwandan-backed rebels to intimidate and arrest activists and journalists, with instances of assassinations. This approach, previously limited, has now extended into the broader North and South Kivu provinces, often with Rwandan assistance. Additionally, neighboring countries such as Burundi, Uganda, and South Africa maintain military presences in the eastern DRC, igniting concerns of a potentially expansive regional conflict reminiscent of past Congo wars that claimed millions of lives.

The upcoming peace talks in Angola are a pivotal step in addressing the ongoing crisis between the DRC and M23 rebels. With the acceptance of the Angolan initiative by the DRC government, there lies hope for a resolution. The involvement of regional leaders in SADC reflects the broader implications of the conflict, particularly regarding stability and humanitarian crises in eastern DRC.

Original Source: www.inkl.com