Angola to Host Direct Peace Talks Between DRC and M23 Rebels on March 18
Angola will host direct peace talks between the DRC and M23 rebels on March 18, following the Congolese government’s tentative acknowledgment of the initiative. This effort aims to mediate a ceasefire amid rising tensions in eastern Congo, where the conflict has been exacerbated since January, resulting in thousands of deaths and mass displacements. Concerns regarding human rights violations have been raised as the situation continues to evolve.
Direct peace negotiations between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the M23 rebels are scheduled to commence on March 18th in Angola’s capital, as conveyed by a statement from the Angolan presidency. Henceforth, the Congolese government has acknowledged the receipt of this proposal. Angola aims to mediate these discussions to establish a long-term ceasefire while working to alleviate tensions between Congo and Rwanda, accused of supporting the M23 group, which it denies.
The Congolese government had previously been reluctant to engage directly with the M23 rebels but has recently indicated a recognition of Angola’s facilitative role. Tina Salama, spokesperson for President Felix Tshisekedi, informed the media that the government had received an invitation for these talks, although confirmation of participation was unspecified at that moment.
In a display of confidence, M23 leader Bertrand Bisimwa expressed on social media the necessity of negotiating with President Tshisekedi, appraising it as the “only civilized option to resolve the current crisis,” which has significantly escalated since January. Concurrently, the ongoing situation in eastern DRC is also poised for discussion during an extraordinary Southern African Development Community (SADC) summit convening via videoconference, chaired by Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
The rebels have captured key provincial capitals Goma and Bukavu since January, intensifying a protracted conflict that has roots in the aftereffects of Rwanda’s 1994 genocide. This struggle is compounded by contention over Congo’s strategic mineral resources, essential for modern technology and green energy advancements. The Congolese government reports at least 7,000 fatalities since January, while the UN humanitarian office has recorded over 600,000 displacements since November.
Concerns have also been raised by Human Rights Watch (HRW) regarding deteriorating civic freedoms in M23-controlled regions. A recent HRW report highlighted the threats to civil society, where Rwandan-supported combatants allegedly harassed and apprehended activists, with severe measures including assassinations becoming alarmingly prevalent. Neighboring nations including Burundi, Uganda, and South Africa have deployed troops in eastern DRC, with rising anxieties of a broader regional conflict mirroring the devastating Congo wars of the 1990s and early 2000s.
In summary, Angola’s announcement of direct peace talks between the DRC and M23 rebels represents a significant effort to negotiate a ceasefire and reduce regional tensions. The situation remains dire, with escalating violence leading to substantial human suffering and displacement. With the involvement of regional powers and concerns over human rights, the stakes are high as the international community observes developments closely.
Original Source: www.inkl.com
