Angola to Mediate Peace Talks between the Democratic Republic of Congo and M23 Militia
Angola plans to mediate peace talks between the DRC and the M23 militia, with negotiations set to begin shortly. This follows previous unsuccessful peace talks that excluded the militia. The ongoing conflict has resulted in over seven million displaced individuals. The M23, backed by Rwandan troops, has recently seized key cities in eastern Congo.
Angola has committed to mediating peace talks between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the M23 militia, which is believed to be supported by Rwanda. This decision was announced via a press release from President Joao Lourenco’s office, coinciding with Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi’s visit to Angola for discussions on initiating a peace process. Angola intends to establish communication with both parties and commence negotiations in the days ahead.
The announcement comes in the wake of numerous failed negotiations hosted by Angola that prioritized discussions around M23’s Rwandan backers, omitting the militia from the dialogues. The M23 is one of approximately 100 armed groups competing for control in the mineral-rich eastern region of Congo, contributing to a severe humanitarian crisis that has displaced over seven million individuals.
The militia, which reportedly has around 4,000 troops from Rwanda assisting them, recently accomplished a rapid offensive, capturing Goma and Bukavu, two significant cities in eastern Congo. Additionally, in February, the UN Human Rights Council launched an investigative commission to look into human rights violations, including allegations of rape and summary executions by both conflicting sides.
In conclusion, Angola’s mediation efforts mark a crucial step toward potential peace negotiations between the Democratic Republic of Congo and the M23 militia, which has significantly impacted the humanitarian landscape in the region. With a history of failed talks and the growing humanitarian crisis, the upcoming negotiations will be pivotal in addressing the underlying issues that have fueled the conflict and displacement.
Original Source: morningstaronline.co.uk
