The DR Congo government will participate in peace talks with M23 rebels in Angola. The discussions follow significant territorial losses to the rebels and previous refusals for dialogue from President Tshisekedi. The humanitarian situation remains dire, with millions displaced and ongoing military involvement from Rwanda. The U.S. is also exploring mining partnerships in the region, contingent on peace.
The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) is set to engage in peace talks with the M23 rebel group, backed by Rwanda, in Luanda, Angola, this Tuesday. A delegation from DR Congo, led by spokesperson Tina Salama of President Felix Tshisekedi, is currently in the Angolan capital for these discussions. Previously, President Tshisekedi had declined direct negotiations with the rebels, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation.
The M23 rebel group, which has seized significant territories in the resource-rich eastern DR Congo, is also sending its own delegation to the Luanda talks. This situation escalated in January when the rebels captured the strategic cities of Goma and Bukavu. Angola has previously acted as a mediator and initiated peace talks after a failed attempt in December last year, partly due to the lack of agreement on direct dialogue between the Congolese government and the rebels.
President Tshisekedi has expressed strong opposition to engaging in dialogue, stating, “A dialogue with a terrorist group like the M23 is a red line that we will never cross.” The conflict has involved around 100 armed groups competing for control in eastern DR Congo, leading to a humanitarian crisis that has displaced over seven million people. M23 is supported by approximately 4,000 Rwandan troops, according to UN reports.
In addition to addressing the conflict with M23, the U.S. State Department has shown interest in a mining partnership with DR Congo, confirming preliminary discussions. President Tshisekedi held a meeting with U.S. special envoy Ronny Jackson to explore opportunities for security and economic collaboration, emphasizing the importance of establishing peace for investment to occur.
Overall, the upcoming peace talks in Angola represent a critical opportunity for resolving ongoing conflicts in DR Congo, which have significantly impacted the region’s stability and humanitarian conditions.
In summary, DR Congo’s engagement in peace talks with the M23 rebels in Angola marks a crucial step towards addressing longstanding conflicts. The situation remains sensitive, with the government’s refusal to negotiate with what they label a terrorist group. The humanitarian crisis worsens amid ongoing violence, while potential international partnerships could aid in stabilizing the nation predicated on successful peace negotiations.
Original Source: morningstaronline.co.uk
