Angola will host direct peace talks between the Democratic Republic of Congo and M23 rebels on March 18, responding to the escalating conflict fueled by Rwanda’s alleged support of the rebels. While Angola has attempted to mediate peace, the Congolese government remains cautious about direct negotiations. The humanitarian situation is dire, with thousands dead and displaced as fears of regional war loom.
Angola has announced that direct peace talks between the Democratic Republic of Congo and the M23 rebels are scheduled to commence in Luanda on March 18. The Congolese presidency has confirmed receipt of Angola’s initiative, although it has yet to officially support participation in these discussions.
This development follows Angola’s proactive attempt to mediate peace amidst escalating tensions between the Democratic Republic of Congo and its neighbor Rwanda, which is allegedly supporting the Tutsi-led M23 group, an assertion that Rwanda denies. Previously, the Congolese government had resisted direct negotiations with M23.
As of now, the spokesperson for Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi, Tina Salama, has acknowledged the invitation from Angola but did not verify the government’s involvement. M23 leader Bertrand Bisimwa has emphasized that negotiations are a necessity, framing them as, “the only civilized option to resolve the current crisis,” following significant escalation since January.
In addition, the extraordinary summit of Southern African Development Community (SADC) heads of state, chaired by Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa, will also address the situation in eastern DRC. The summit seeks to clarify the status of regional armed forces deployed in the conflict-ridden eastern region.
Since January, M23 rebels have taken over critical provincial capitals, including Goma and Bukavu, and are making advances in smaller locales as well. The conflict has deep roots, tied to Rwanda’s 1994 genocide and ongoing struggles for control over Congo’s abundant mineral resources.
The humanitarian toll is severe, with reports indicating at least 7,000 fatalities since the start of the year and over 600,000 people displaced since November, according to the UN. Human Rights Watch has raised alarms about the deteriorating civil space in M23-controlled regions, where activists and journalists face intimidation, arrest, and violence.
Countries such as Burundi, Uganda, and South Africa have deployed troops in eastern DRC, prompting concerns over a potential resurgence of regional warfare akin to the 1990s Congo wars, which resulted in millions of deaths.
Angola’s initiative for peace talks may provide a pathway to address these deep-rooted issues, but the success depends on active participation and commitment from all parties involved.
In summary, Angola’s facilitation of peace talks between the Democratic Republic of Congo and the M23 rebels represents a significant diplomatic effort to quell escalating tensions in the region. The conflicting parties must navigate a complex web of historical grievances, resource struggles, and international dynamics to achieve a lasting resolution. Given the humanitarian crisis at hand and the ramifications for regional stability, the importance of these talks cannot be overstated.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
