Angola to Host Direct Peace Talks Between DRC and M23 Rebels on March 18
Direct peace talks between the DRC and M23 rebels are scheduled for March 18 in Angola, aimed at achieving a ceasefire amid rising tensions with Rwanda. The DRC has acknowledged Angola’s mediation efforts, while ongoing violence has resulted in significant casualties and displacement. Concerns about human rights violations persist as neighboring countries maintain troop presences in the region.
On March 18, direct peace talks between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and M23 rebels are set to commence in Angola, as announced by Angola’s presidency. This development follows Angola’s initiative to mediate discussions aimed at establishing a ceasefire and reducing tensions between the DRC and Rwanda, which has been accused of supporting the M23 rebel group, an assertion that Rwanda refutes.
Previously, the DRC government has been reluctant to engage in direct negotiations with the M23 group. However, it has acknowledged Angola’s initiative, although it has not confirmed participation in the talks. Tina Salama, the spokesperson for DRC President Felix Tshisekedi, affirmed that the government had received an invitation from Angola regarding the negotiations.
Bertrand Bisimwa, the leader of the M23, expressed confidence on social media regarding the negotiations, calling it the “only civilized option to resolve the current crisis” that has escalated significantly since January. The situation in the eastern DRC, where M23 has gained control of key provincial capitals, remains precarious and will be discussed in an extraordinary Southern African Development Community (SADC) summit on Thursday.
This conflict has historic roots linked to Rwanda’s 1994 genocide and the ongoing struggle for the rich mineral resources of Congo. The region is abundant in essential minerals such as coltan, cobalt, copper, and lithium, which are critical for technological and green energy advancements. According to DRC government reports, the violence has led to at least 7,000 fatalities and the displacement of over 600,000 individuals since November, as verified by the UN.
Human Rights Watch has raised concerns over the deteriorating civic space in areas under M23 control, noting significant pressure on activists and journalists. Reports indicate that two civil society members have been assassinated, and this trend is reportedly spreading in North and South Kivu, potentially with Rwandan assistance. Neighboring nations such as Burundi, Uganda, and South Africa have deployed troops in the eastern DRC, heightening fears of a broader regional conflict reminiscent of the devastating wars of the 1990s and early 2000s.
In summary, Angola’s facilitation of peace talks on March 18 between the DRC and M23 rebels represents a critical step in addressing escalating tensions in the region. The ongoing conflict, rooted in historical grievances and resource ambitions, has resulted in significant humanitarian crises, including extensive casualties and displacement. As the situation unfolds, the regional implications and the necessity of safeguarding civic liberties remain pressing issues. The outcome of the negotiations will be pivotal in determining the future stability of the DRC and its surrounding territories.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
