DRC’s Tshisekedi Consents to Direct Negotiations with M23 Rebels under Angola’s Mediation
DRC President Félix Tshisekedi has agreed to direct talks with M23 rebels under Angolan mediation. Angola will facilitate negotiations in Luanda, aiming for a peaceful resolution. This change marks a shift from military strategies to diplomatic engagement, amid ongoing international pressure and existing frameworks like the Nairobi process and UN Resolution 2773. The success of these talks is crucial for lasting peace in the region.
In a notable diplomatic development, President Félix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has consented to direct negotiations with the M23 rebel group. This decision follows discussions with Angolan President João Lourenço, who will mediate the talks. Angola has committed to connecting with the M23 to facilitate a dialogue, which is anticipated to occur in Luanda in the coming days with the aim of achieving lasting peace in the region.
Angola’s official announcement emphasized the establishment of contacts with M23 to initiate direct negotiations between DRC and the rebels. The statement from the Presidential Palace in Luanda pointed towards collaboration aimed at negotiating comprehensive peace in the DRC, acknowledging the need for effective resolutions to ongoing conflicts in the eastern part of the country.
Tina Salama, spokesperson for the DRC presidency, expressed cautious optimism regarding Angola’s mediation, underscoring Kinshasa’s commitment to existing diplomatic frameworks. She reiterated their intentions to observe how Angola’s approach is implemented and recalled the importance of the Nairobi process and Resolution 2773 from the United Nations Security Council, which calls for ceasefires and troop withdrawals.
This shift in President Tshisekedi’s policy is significant; he had previously opposed negotiations with the M23, favoring military strategies instead. The M23, known for occupying strategic areas such as Goma and Bukavu, has pressed for direct dialogue on behalf of Congolese Tutsis who face allegations of discrimination.
International pressures from entities including the European Union, United States, and United Kingdom have called for de-escalation of the conflict and a withdrawal of Rwandan military support for the M23. The United Nations Security Council’s urgency for ceasefire and negotiations further emphasizes the need for immediate action to avoid worsening humanitarian crises.
Angola’s role in facilitating talks is viewed as vital to augmenting existing peace processes, both Nairobi and Luanda, aimed at achieving a political arrangement over military confrontations. The success of forthcoming negotiations in Luanda will rely heavily on both DRC and M23’s commitments to a ceasefire and meaningful dialogue, alongside continued support from regional players like Rwanda and Uganda.
As war continues displacing thousands and affecting civilians, the impending talks present a pivotal moment with the potential to mitigate further conflict and set the foundations for enduring peace in the DRC.
In conclusion, President Félix Tshisekedi’s willingness to engage in direct negotiations with the M23 rebels reflects an important diplomatic shift amidst external pressures and ongoing regional conflict. With Angola mediating talks, stakeholders will be keenly observing both parties’ commitment to ceasefire and effective dialogue. The success of these negotiations in Luanda could play a crucial role in stabilizing the DRC and addressing the humanitarian crises resulting from the ongoing conflict.
Original Source: chimpreports.com
