The DR Congo government is set to engage in peace talks in Angola with the M23 rebels, following earlier refusals for direct negotiations. The discussions come amid escalating violence and humanitarian crises in the eastern regions of the country, further complicated by Rwandan support for the rebels. The US has shown interest in establishing a mining partnership contingent on stability in the DR Congo.
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) government will attend peace talks in Luanda, Angola, regarding negotiations with the M23 rebel group, as confirmed by Tina Salama, a spokesperson for President Felix Tshisekedi. Previously, President Tshisekedi declined to engage in direct negotiations with the group, which has captured significant territories in the mineral-rich eastern region of the country.
M23 has made notable advances, having seized the strategic city of Goma and later Bukavu earlier this year. Angola, having served as a mediator, is set to facilitate these discussions, with both DR Congo and M23 delegations present in Luanda. Previous attempts at negotiations were halted last December after Rwanda insisted on direct talks as a prerequisite.
President Tshisekedi maintained a firm stance against negotiating with what he labeled “a terrorist group,” highlighting the government’s unwillingness to negotiate directly with M23. The ongoing conflict, now involving approximately 100 armed factions in eastern DR Congo, has resulted in a humanitarian crisis, displacing over seven million people.
According to UN reports, M23 receives support from around 4,000 Rwandan troops, raising concerns about their potential threats to Kinshasa, the DR Congo capital. Following a report on atrocities committed by both parties, the UN Human Rights Council initiated an investigation into these incidents.
In a related development, the US State Department expressed interest in forming a mining partnership with DR Congo, launching preliminary discussions on the matter. During a recent meeting with US Special Envoy Ronny Jackson, President Tshisekedi explored potential security and economic collaborations to encourage US investment in DR Congo while ensuring stable conditions within the country.
In conclusion, the upcoming peace talks in Angola signify a critical step for the DR Congo government to engage with the M23 rebel group amid ongoing conflict and humanitarian crises. The involvement of international parties, including the US, underscores the necessity for stability and security in the region, promoting economic opportunities for DR Congo while addressing the substantial challenges posed by the ongoing violence.
Original Source: morningstaronline.co.uk
