DRC and M23 Rebels Scheduled for Peace Negotiations in Angola
The DRC and M23 rebels will begin direct peace negotiations on March 18 in Angola. The discussions aim to address escalating conflict, rooted in historical issues and resource control. Humanitarian consequences are severe, with thousands dead and many displaced, prompting urgent diplomatic efforts.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the M23 rebels are set to commence direct peace negotiations by March 18 in Luanda, Angola, as indicated by a statement from Angola’s President Joao Lourenco. This development follows an invitation extended to DRC’s President Felix Tshisekedi, confirming discussions aimed at resolving ongoing tensions in eastern Congo, which have escalated significantly since January.
Angola has previously mediated in the DRC conflict, which intensified when the M23 seized control of Goma, a crucial city in eastern Congo, and subsequently Bukavu. Rwanda has denied allegations of supporting the M23, amid scrutiny concerning the impact of Rwanda’s 1994 genocide on the DRC’s conditions and the competition for its abundant mineral resources.
During his recent visit to Angola, President Tshisekedi discussed the potential for dialogue. His spokesperson noted that while an invitation for negotiations was received, it remains uncertain whether the DRC will participate. M23 leader Bertrand Bisimwa asserted on social media that the war’s outcome has pushed the DRC to recognize negotiations as the only viable solution to decades-long turmoil.
The DRC government states that over 7,000 individuals have lost their lives due to the conflict since January. Additionally, nearly 80,000 people have fled to safety, with 61,000 seeking refuge in Burundi, as reported by the United Nations refugee agency. The eastern Congo region is home to around 100 armed groups, including M23, all competing for control of valuable minerals such as coltan, cobalt, copper, and lithium.
DRC’s neighboring countries, including South Africa, Burundi, and Uganda, have deployed troops to the area, raising concerns over the potential for a broader regional conflict reminiscent of the devastating Congo wars in the late 20th century, which resulted in the loss of millions of lives.
The upcoming direct negotiations between the DRC government and M23 rebels, facilitated by Angola, mark a critical step towards addressing the ongoing conflict in the region. Amid serious humanitarian concerns and escalating violence, it is imperative that both parties engage constructively in talks to seek a peaceful resolution. The involvement of neighboring countries near eastern Congo adds complexity to the situation, underscoring the need for careful diplomatic efforts to avert greater regional instability.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
