The Democratic Republic of Congo will hold peace negotiations with the M23 rebel group, backed by Rwanda, in Angola on March 18. Angola’s President João Lourenço announced this initiative, following a period of escalated conflict and previous failed talks. The humanitarian crisis has resulted in the displacement of over 7 million people in the region.
The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo is set to engage in peace talks with the M23 rebel group, backed by Rwanda, in Angola. Mediator Angola, represented by President João Lourenço, confirmed that these negotiations will commence in Luanda on March 18. This development follows a period of escalating conflict in eastern Congo, particularly after M23’s seizure of strategic areas including the city of Goma and Bukavu over the past few months.
President Felix Tshisekedi of Congo visited Angola recently to explore avenues for peace discussions. The statement from Lourenços’s office emphasized, “the Government of the Republic of Angola makes public that delegations from the Democratic Republic of Congo and M23 will begin direct peace negotiations.” No comments were available from the Congolese government at the time of the announcement.
Tina Salama, spokesperson for President Tshisekedi, expressed optimism about the initiation of peace talks, stating, “We acknowledge and look forward to the implementation of this Angolan mediation initiative.” This announcement comes after several earlier attempts at peace talks, which had focused primarily on Rwanda, the rebel group’s ally, rather than directly addressing the concerns of the M23 insurgency
M23 represents one of approximately 100 armed factions operating in the mineral-rich eastern regions of Congo, where ongoing conflict has resulted in significant humanitarian crises, displacing over 7 million individuals. Reports indicate that the M23 rebels have received support from around 4,000 troops from Rwanda and have declared intentions to advance towards Kinshasa, the capital, situated over a thousand miles away.
The upcoming peace talks between the Democratic Republic of Congo and the M23 rebel group hold significance in addressing ongoing conflicts in eastern Congo. Angola’s role as a mediator may provide a pivotal opportunity for resolution. Given the humanitarian ramifications of this conflict, collaboration among local and international actors is essential for restoring stability and peace.
Original Source: apnews.com
