M23 Rebels to Engage in Peace Talks with DRC Government in Angola

M23 rebels will send a delegation for peace talks with DRC government in Angola. This marks a shift as the DRC will engage in dialogue, reversing prior non-negotiation stance. The peace talks aim to address ongoing violence and humanitarian crises rooted in historical tensions between the DRC and Rwanda.

The M23 rebel group, with support from Rwanda, announced on Monday its intention to send a five-member delegation to peace talks with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) government, scheduled to commence in Luanda, Angola. Lawrence Kanyuka, spokesperson for the M23-inclusive AFC rebel alliance, stated that this decision was made at the request of Angolan authorities.

In a turn of events, President Felix Tshisekedi’s office announced that the DRC government would also participate in the talks, thereby reversing its previous stance of not negotiating with M23. Angola’s mediation efforts aim to establish a lasting ceasefire and reduce tensions between the DRC and Rwanda, which has been accused of supplying arms and troops to the M23 rebels.

The ongoing conflict, which traces its roots to the aftermath of Rwanda’s 1994 genocide, has persisted for decades in eastern DRC, fueled by the struggle for control over the region’s rich mineral reserves. The situation worsened this year as the M23 gained territory, including two major cities and several smaller areas in eastern DRC.

Since January, the DRC government has reported approximately 7,000 fatalities resulting from the violence. Furthermore, the United Nations humanitarian office indicates that since November, the conflict has displaced at least 600,000 individuals, highlighting the dire humanitarian consequences of the hostilities.

In summary, the M23 rebel group has announced its participation in peace talks with the DRC government in Angola. This significant development reflects a shift in the government’s approach towards negotiation, amidst ongoing violence and humanitarian crises stemming from the conflict, which has escalated in recent months. Both parties aim for a resolution to longstanding tensions exacerbated by regional dynamics.

Original Source: www.timeslive.co.za