Congo to Join Peace Talks with M23 Rebels Amid Escalating Conflict

Congo will engage in peace talks with the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels in Angola, following increased conflict in the eastern region. President Tshisekedi, who once rejected negotiations, will send a delegation after hostilities escalated. The humanitarian crisis continues as over 7 million are displaced, and international powers explore economic partnerships.

The Congolese government has announced its participation in peace talks scheduled for Tuesday in Angola with the M23 rebel group, which is supported by Rwanda and has taken control of significant areas in eastern Congo. Tina Salama, spokesperson for President Felix Tshisekedi, confirmed that a delegation is currently in Luanda for the discussions after Tshisekedi previously declined direct negotiations with the rebels.

M23 has also sent representatives to Luanda for the talks, as stated by their spokesperson, Lawrence Kanyuka. The conflict in eastern Congo intensified in January when M23 rebels seized the strategic city of Goma, followed by Bukavu in February. Angola has been mediating this conflict and recently announced the upcoming direct negotiations.

Previous peace talks between Congo and Rwanda were unexpectedly canceled in December after Rwanda conditioned the signing of a peace agreement on direct dialogue between Congo and M23 rebels, which Congo rejected. Tshisekedi emphasized his government’s stance, stating, “A dialogue with a terrorist group like the M23 is a red line that we will never cross.”

M23 is among approximately 100 armed groups fighting for power in the mineral-rich eastern Congo, near the Rwandan border, contributing to a severe humanitarian crisis that has displaced over 7 million people. With support from around 4,000 Rwandan troops, M23 has threatened to advance towards the Congolese capital, Kinshasa.

Moreover, the U.N. Human Rights Council has established a commission to investigate atrocities committed by both sides, including accusations of rape and summary executions. Recently, the U.S. State Department expressed willingness to explore a mining partnership in Congo, confirming that preliminary discussions have commenced. Tshisekedi also met with U.S. special envoy to Congo, Rep. Ronny Jackson, to discuss future security and economic partnerships, aiming to foster American investment in the region.

In summary, the Congolese government is set to engage in peace talks with the M23 rebel group in Angola amidst an escalating conflict that has caused significant humanitarian issues. The situation remains tense as previous negotiations were halted, and the nation’s leadership maintains a firm stance against what they consider terrorist negotiations. International interest in mining partnerships highlights ongoing economic considerations parallel to the quest for peace.

Original Source: www.winnipegfreepress.com