Angola to Mediate Peace Talks Between DRC and M23 Rebels on March 18
Angola is set to mediate direct peace talks between the DRC government and M23 rebels on March 18. The ongoing conflict has caused significant casualties and displacement, prompting concerns over regional stability. The M23 pressure on the Congolese government highlights the pressing need for dialogue amidst escalating violence.
Angola has announced that direct peace talks between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the M23 rebels will commence on March 18 in the Angolan capital. The announcement follows Angola’s efforts to mediate a ceasefire and de-escalate the ongoing tensions between Congo and Rwanda, the latter of which has been accused of supporting the Tutsi-led M23 group—a claim that Rwanda denies.
The Congolese government, which has previously resisted direct negotiations with the M23, acknowledged the Angolan initiative on Tuesday. Tina Salama, a spokesperson for Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi, confirmed that the government received an invitation from Angola but did not specify its participation status in the talks.
M23 leader Bertrand Bisimwa expressed confidence in a recent statement, suggesting that forcing President Tshisekedi to negotiate is the only “civilised option to resolve the current crisis,” pointing to escalated tensions since January. The conflict in eastern Congo, now escalating with M23’s seizure of key provincial capitals, has severe implications regionally and globally due to the mineral wealth of the area.
The extraordinary summit of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) aimed to address the unfolding situation, discussing the fate of regional armed forces stationed in eastern DRC. The ongoing conflict has led to significant casualties and displacements, with Congo’s government reporting over 7,000 deaths since January and approximately 600,000 displaced persons according to the UN humanitarian office (OCHA).
Human Rights Watch (HRW) has highlighted the suppression of civil liberties in M23-controlled areas, documenting the harassment of civil society activists, including the troubling instances of assassinations. This concerning trend extends beyond M23 regions into North and South Kivu provinces, often facilitated by Rwandan influence. Neighboring countries such as Burundi, Uganda, and South Africa maintain a military presence in eastern DRC, raising fears of potential escalation into a broader regional conflict reminiscent of the devastating Congo wars in the 1990s and early 2000s.
In summary, Angola’s facilitation of direct peace talks highlights a significant diplomatic effort to curb the ongoing violence in eastern DRC. However, the conflict’s roots are deeply intertwined with regional dynamics and mineral wealth. As the humanitarian crisis escalates, the international community must pay attention to the potential destabilization of the region that could arise from these tensions. The upcoming negotiations will be critical in shaping the future of peace in the area.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
