General Sultani Makenga of the M23 rebel group has welcomed upcoming peace talks in Angola with the Congolese government. He criticized President Tshisekedi and highlighted the M23’s struggle against discrimination. The negotiations follow a recent meeting between Tshisekedi and Angolan President Lourenço. Makenga emphasized that their fight is about survival against perceived threats and ongoing violence against the Tutsi community.
General Sultani Makenga, the military commander of the M23 rebel group, has expressed support for upcoming peace talks between the M23 and the Congolese government, set to take place in Luanda, Angola on March 18. During an interview on March 12 with Alain Destexhe, a former Belgian senator closely monitoring the situation, Makenga stated that while they are keen to negotiate, they are still awaiting a response from Kinshasa regarding the talks.
The announcement of these negotiations followed a meeting between Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi and Angolan President João Lourenço, who is also representing the African Union. Makenga criticized President Tshisekedi, asserting, “He [Tshisekedi] has no love for his country, he is a bandit.” He articulated that the M23 is fighting against injustices faced by the Congolese Rwandophones and seeks to eliminate pervasive issues such as tribalism and corruption.
The current conflict, which has involved a coalition of Congolese government forces along with international entities, has been ongoing since 2021. In December 2023, the M23 became part of the Alliance fleuve Congo (AFC), led by Corneille Nangaa. Makenga emphasized that their armed resistance is primarily for survival, explaining, “We took up arms because we were threatened with extermination.”
Makenga recounted instances of violence against the Tutsi community, underscoring the need for reconciliation within the region. The M23 has recently gained control over significant areas like Goma and Bukavu, which he claimed were not their intended goals, but rather defensive actions against threats from government forces. He criticized ongoing attacks, including drone strikes from the Congolese army, which violate ceasefire agreements.
The impending peace discussions in Angola represent a critical opportunity for dialogue between the M23 rebel group and the Congolese government. General Makenga’s remarks reveal deep-seated grievances against the Congolese leadership and outline the M23’s fight against systemic discrimination and violence. The outcome of these negotiations could signal a pivotal moment in the ongoing conflict, potentially leading towards stabilization in the eastern regions of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Original Source: www.newtimes.co.rw
