Rwanda-DRC peace talks mediated by Angola have been called off due to a deadlock over Rwandan demands for direct dialogue with M23. Escalating clashes between the DRC army and the M23 raise serious concerns, with accusations of civilian casualties adding to the humanitarian crisis in the region. Local residents express a desperate need for resolution amidst the ongoing violence.
Peace negotiations between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) aimed at resolving ongoing conflicts in the eastern DRC have been abandoned following last-minute cancellations by the Angolan mediation team. The Angolan presidency announced that the anticipated summit would not take place as previously scheduled, citing unforeseen circumstances. This cancellation has raised concerns about the already tenuous nature of the talks, particularly as fighting has escalated in the region amidst ongoing hostilities between the DRC army and M23 rebel forces that are purportedly backed by Rwanda.
The DRC presidency reported that progress has been hindered due to Rwandan demands for direct negotiations with the M23 rebels. With the DRC’s acceptance of a ceasefire in August, resurging violence has led to accusations from the DRC military against M23, claiming it is responsible for the deaths of civilians in recent clashes. However, the M23 rejects these accusations, suggesting they are mere propaganda aimed to undermine their cause.
The conflict in the eastern DRC is part of a larger humanitarian crisis affecting millions. Despite Rwanda’s denial of support for the M23, a UN report indicates the presence of Rwandan Defence Forces fighting alongside the rebel group in the DRC. The tensions have resulted in widespread displacements, with local residents yearning for peace amidst the turmoil. One affected individual expressed a deep sense of fatigue over the continuous conflict, emphasizing the urgent need for fruitful negotiations between the two nations.
The eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo has been embroiled in conflict for years, primarily due to the presence of numerous armed groups like the M23. These groups compete for control over its mineral-rich resources, leading to significant humanitarian crises, as hundreds of thousands of people have been displaced from their homes. The relationship between Rwanda and the DRC is complicated; Rwanda is often accused of supporting M23, while DRC forces have come under international scrutiny for their conduct in the conflict. International mediation efforts, particularly by Angola and the African Union, aim to facilitate dialogue and reach a sustainable resolution to the ongoing violence.
In conclusion, the recent collapse of peace talks between Rwanda and the DRC marks a significant setback in efforts to address the longstanding conflict in the eastern DRC. The unresolved tensions, exacerbated by demands for direct dialogue with the M23 rebels, and the resurgence of violence in the region emphasize the critical need for renewed diplomatic efforts. The international community continues to monitor the situation, as the humanitarian crisis deepens for the millions affected by this conflict.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
