The Democratic Republic of Congo will participate in peace talks with M23 rebels in Angola, despite prior refusals by President Tshisekedi. The talks aim to address conflict arising from M23’s recent territorial gains, exacerbating humanitarian issues in the region. Discussions may also involve U.S. interests in mining partnerships contingent upon peace efforts.
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has announced its participation in upcoming peace talks with the M23 rebel group in Angola. Spokesperson Tina Salama, representing President Felix Tshisekedi, confirmed the delegation’s presence in Luanda for discussions, despite Tshisekedi’s prior refusal for direct engagement with the rebels.
M23 has also dispatched its own delegation to the negotiations, as stated by spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka on social media. The conflict in eastern Congo intensified significantly in January when M23, supported by Rwanda, seized control of the important city of Goma and later Bukavu.
Angola’s role as a mediator culminated in the decision to hold direct peace talks in Luanda. Last December, scheduled peace negotiations between Congo and Rwanda were abruptly canceled after Rwanda insisted that dialogue with M23 was a prerequisite, a demand Congo rejected, emphasizing, “A dialogue with a terrorist group like the M23 is a red line that we will never cross,” according to Tshisekedi.
The M23 conflict is part of a broader crisis involving nearly 100 armed groups operating in eastern Congo, creating a humanitarian emergency that has displaced over 7 million individuals. Reports suggest that approximately 4,000 Rwandan troops support M23, raising concerns over the regional stability as rebels threaten to advance toward the DRC capital, Kinshasa.
The United Nations Human Rights Council recently initiated a commission to investigate allegations of atrocities conducted by both parties, including rape and extrajudicial killings. Meanwhile, discussions with the U.S. have commenced regarding a potential mining partnership in the DRC, as U.S. State Department officials express interest in fostering investment, contingent upon improved peace and security in the region.
In summary, the Democratic Republic of Congo will engage in peace talks with the M23 rebels in Angola, aiming to address ongoing conflict in the mineral-rich eastern regions. Despite Tshisekedi’s previous opposition, this negotiation is a critical step following escalating violence and humanitarian crises. Angola’s mediation and international interest, particularly from the United States, may influence future stability and investment in Congo.
Original Source: apnews.com
