Angola will facilitate peace talks between the DRC and M23 rebels on March 18. The Congolese government has acknowledged the invitation but has yet to confirm participation. The ongoing conflict has led to significant casualties and displacement, prompting concerns about regional stability and humanitarian issues.
On March 18, direct peace talks between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the M23 rebels will commence in Angola’s capital, as announced by Angola’s presidency. Currently, the Congolese government has only acknowledged receipt of this invitation.
Angola has initiated efforts to mediate these talks, aiming to establish a lasting ceasefire amidst escalating tensions between the DRC and Rwanda, which has been accused of supporting the M23 group. Rwanda has denied these accusations.
The Congolese government has historically resisted direct discussions with the M23; however, they have acknowledged Angola’s proposal. Tina Salama, the spokesperson for President Felix Tshisekedi, confirmed that the invitation was received but did not clarify whether the government would participate.
M23 leader Bertrand Bisimwa has expressed confidence in forcing negotiations, declaring it a “civilised option” for resolving the intensified crisis that has emerged since January.
An extraordinary Southern African Development Community (SADC) summit will discuss the DRC situation shortly, focusing on the regional armed forces’ status in eastern Congo, particularly after M23 captured Goma and Bukavu in January.
This conflict, deeply connected to the historical context of Rwanda’s 1994 genocide, has intensified due to the competition for Congo’s mineral wealth, which is crucial for global technological and energy developments.
Since January, the DRC government reports at least 7,000 fatalities related to the conflict, with over 600,000 individuals displaced since November, according to UN data. Additionally, Human Rights Watch has raised alarms about civil liberties eroding in regions held by M23, citing instances of pressure and violence against activists and journalists.
Troops from neighboring countries, including Burundi, Uganda, and South Africa, are stationed in the eastern DRC, prompting concerns about a potential escalation reminiscent of the devastating Congo wars of the 1990s and early 2000s, which resulted in millions of deaths.
In summary, Angola will host direct peace talks between the DRC and M23 rebels on March 18, in an effort to resolve the ongoing conflict in eastern Congo. The DRC government has tentatively recognized this initiative while regional and international concerns regarding the humanitarian crisis and civil rights violations continue to rise. The complex interplay of historical tensions and resource competition remains central to understanding this conflict’s dynamics.
Original Source: www.inkl.com
