DRC and M23 Rebels to Initiate Direct Peace Talks Under Angola’s Mediation

The DRC government and M23 rebels will engage in direct peace talks on March 18 in Luanda, Angola. This follows an invitation from Angola amidst escalating conflict since January 2023. The talks aim to address longstanding issues, with significant fatalities and displacement reported due to the fighting. M23 leader asserts that these negotiations are crucial for resolving decades-long crises.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the M23 rebels are set to commence direct peace negotiations in Luanda, Angola, on March 18. This development follows an invitation extended to the DRC government by Angola, which is acting as a mediator in the ongoing conflict. A spokesperson for DRC President Felix Tshisekedi confirmed the receipt of this invitation but did not specify whether the DRC would participate in the upcoming discussions.

Angola has been involved in mediating the eastern DRC conflict, which escalated notably in January when M23 seized Goma, a key city, followed by Bukavu, the second-largest city in eastern Congo. The M23 group, allegedly supported by Rwanda, has been embroiled in a conflict linked to historical tensions stemming from Rwanda’s 1994 genocide and the competitive struggle for DRC’s rich mineral resources.

In recent statements, M23 leader Bertrand Bisimwa claimed that the ongoing situation forced Tshisekedi to the negotiating table, describing the talks as “the only civilized option to resolve the current crisis that has lasted for decades.” The conflict has resulted in over 7,000 fatalities since January alone, alongside significant displacement, with around 80,000 individuals fleeing to neighboring nations, including 61,000 to Burundi.

M23 is among nearly 100 armed groups contending for control over eastern Congo’s abundant mineral wealth, which includes key resources such as coltan, cobalt, copper, and lithium. The involvement of neighboring countries, including South Africa, Burundi, and Uganda, with troops in the region raises concerns about the potential for a larger-scale conflict reminiscent of the devastating Congo wars of the 1990s and early 2000s.

The planned direct negotiations between the DRC government and M23 rebels signify a crucial step towards resolving a prolonged conflict that has resulted in significant loss of life and mass displacement. Angola’s mediation plays a vital role in these discussions, which will not only address immediate issues but also aim to bring stability to a region characterized by ongoing violence linked to the struggle for valuable resources. Ultimately, the success of these talks may determine the future peace and security of the DRC and its neighbors.

Original Source: www.aljazeera.com