Rwandan-backed M23 rebels will attend peace talks in Angola with the DRC government, marking a shift in Congo’s refusal to negotiate. Angola seeks to mediate a ceasefire amid escalating conflict linked to historical tensions and resource struggles, with significant humanitarian impact including thousands dead and hundreds of thousands displaced.
The M23 rebels, backed by Rwanda, have announced their intention to send a five-member delegation to peace talks with the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). These negotiations are set to commence in Luanda, Angola, following a request from Angolan authorities, as stated by Lawrence Kanyuka, a spokesperson for the AFC rebel alliance.
In a significant shift, the Congolese government, led by President Felix Tshisekedi, indicated it would also dispatch representatives to the peace talks, contrary to its previous stance of refusing to negotiate with the M23.
Angola has taken on the role of mediator, aiming to achieve a lasting ceasefire and reduce tensions between the DRC and Rwanda, the latter of which, according to various reports, has provided military support to the M23 rebels. Rwanda justifies its military presence as defensive, claiming it is responding to threats from the Congolese army and local militias.
The ongoing conflict in eastern Congo has historical ties to Rwanda’s tragic 1994 genocide and is exacerbated by the fight for control over the region’s vast mineral resources. This year has seen an escalation in hostilities, with the M23 capturing territories they had not previously controlled, including major urban centers.
Reports indicate that the fighting has resulted in over 7,000 fatalities since January, with at least 600,000 individuals displaced from their homes since November, as detailed by the United Nations humanitarian affairs office.
The upcoming peace talks in Angola mark a crucial opportunity for dialogue between the M23 rebels and the DRC government, potentially easing lasting tensions in the region. With both parties previously steadfast in their positions, this negotiation illustrates a significant shift in approach, highlighting the urgent need to address the ongoing humanitarian crises and the destabilizing effects of external military involvement. Effective mediation by Angola could pave the way for a durable ceasefire and improved stability in eastern Congo.
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