M23 Rebels to Participate in Angola Peace Talks with DRC Government

Rwandan-backed M23 rebels are set to participate in peace talks with the DRC government in Luanda, Angola. This follows a reversal by Kinshasa, which will also send representatives. The talks aim to mediate the ongoing conflict, exacerbated by Rwanda’s military involvement and resulting in significant casualties and displacement in eastern Congo.

The Rwandan-backed M23 rebels have announced their intention to send a delegation to peace talks with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) government, scheduled to commence on Tuesday in Luanda, Angola. This five-member delegation will depart for Angola at the request of Angolan authorities, as stated by Lawrence Kanyuka, a spokesperson for the AFC rebel alliance.

In a notable shift, President Felix Tshisekedi’s office confirmed that Kinshasa will also be represented at the Luanda talks, reversing its previous stance of refusing to negotiate with the M23 rebels. Angola has been actively mediating efforts to establish a lasting ceasefire and alleviate tensions between the DRC and Rwanda, which has been accused by the United Nations of supporting the rebels militarily.

Rwanda claims that its military presence is defensive, aimed at protecting against the Congolese army and militias perceived as threats. The conflict in eastern Congo, exacerbated by the legacy of Rwanda’s 1994 genocide and competition over valuable mineral resources, has intensified, with M23 capturing territories previously deemed secure.

According to the DRC government, the ongoing violence has resulted in at least 7,000 fatalities since January and has displaced approximately 600,000 individuals since last November, as reported by the United Nations humanitarian affairs office.

In summary, the participation of the M23 rebels in the upcoming peace talks in Angola signifies a potential change in dialogue dynamics between the conflicting parties in the DRC. With Angola’s mediation efforts underway, both the DRC and M23 rebels aim to address the long-standing hostilities and seek a resolution to the ongoing humanitarian crisis. Continued international scrutiny and engagement will be essential to ensure that these negotiations yield meaningful outcomes and alleviate the suffering of affected populations.

Original Source: www.thestar.com.my