Congo and M23 Rebel Group Set to Initiate Peace Talks in Angola

The government of Congo and the M23 rebel group will commence peace talks on March 18 in Luanda, Angola, mediated by Angolan President João Lourenço. M23, backed by Rwanda, has captured key eastern cities amid escalating conflict, prompting this diplomatic initiative after prior cancellations of peace talks. The situation remains dire with millions displaced.

On March 18, peace talks are set to occur between the government of Congo and the M23 rebel group in Luanda, Angola, as announced by Angolan officials. The M23, backed by Rwanda, has taken control of significant areas in Congo’s mineral-rich eastern region, intensifying the conflict.

Angola’s mediation has become crucial following M23’s capture of the city of Goma in late January and Bukavu in February, two strategically important urban centers. President Felix Tshisekedi of Congo recently visited Angola to discuss potential peace negotiations.

An official statement from President João Lourenço’s office confirmed that direct negotiations would take place, indicating Angola’s role as a mediator. No comment was provided by the Congolese government immediately following this announcement.

Tina Salama, spokesperson for President Tshisekedi, expressed optimism regarding the Angolan mediation initiative on social media. Previous peace talks initiated by Angola were postponed, primarily focusing on Rwanda’s involvement rather than direct discussions with M23.

The M23 is one of around 100 armed groups in eastern Congo, a region heavily affected by conflict and humanitarian crises, with over 7 million dislocated individuals. Reports indicate that approximately 4,000 Rwandan troops support the M23, raising concerns about the conflict potentially extending toward Kinshasa, located over a thousand miles away from the current conflict zones.

The scheduled peace talks between the Congo government and M23 rebels signify a strategic effort to address ongoing conflicts exacerbated by external influences, particularly from Rwanda. With Angola mediating, there is cautious optimism about resolving disputes that have devastated the eastern region and displaced millions. The outcome of these negotiations, however, remains uncertain in the context of a fragmented geopolitical landscape.

Original Source: apnews.com