Angola Mediates Direct Talks Between Kinshasa and M23 Amid DRC Crisis

Angola is mediating the crisis in eastern DRC, seeking direct talks between Kinshasa and the M23 armed group. Presidents Tshisekedi and Lourenço discussed initiating negotiations, and authorities in Kinshasa are open to the Angolan approach. Regional and international conferences will further address the ongoing conflict, especially the alleged role of Rwanda.

Angola is actively mediating the ongoing crisis in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), with President João Lourenço seeking to initiate direct negotiations between Kinshasa and the M23 armed group. A recent meeting in Luanda between Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi and President Lourenço highlighted the possibility of initiating discussions between the conflicting parties. Following their private discussions, Angola’s presidency announced plans to facilitate direct talks in Luanda in the coming days to establish a lasting peace in the region.

In its mediation efforts, Angola is focused on achieving a ceasefire and reducing escalating tensions between the DRC and neighboring Rwanda, which is accused of supporting the M23 rebels. Rwanda denies these allegations, asserting that its forces are defending against threats from the Congolese military and hostile militias targeting Rwandan nationals, particularly Tutsis, amid significant territorial gains by M23 forces in eastern Congo since January.

Despite a previous refusal by Kinshasa to engage directly with the M23, President Tshisekedi previously asserted that negotiations should occur with Rwanda, whom he labeled as the “master” of the M23. Nonetheless, following the Luanda meeting, Congolese authorities indicated they would evaluate the potential of the Angolan diplomatic approach. Spokesperson Tina Salama acknowledged an existing framework for talks through the Nairobi process, signaling a potential shift in their stance toward negotiations.

The situation will also be addressed at multiple upcoming regional and international meetings, including a Southern African Development Community (SADC) summit in Kinshasa, the 8th EU-South Africa summit on March 13 in Cape Town, and a United Nations Security Council session focused on the DRC conflict on April 4.

In conclusion, Angola is playing a pivotal role in mediating the ongoing crisis in eastern DRC by facilitating direct negotiations between Kinshasa and the M23 group. As the situation evolves, both regional and international parties are closely monitoring discussions aimed at establishing a sustainable peace and addressing the root causes of the conflict, particularly the involvement of Rwanda. The forthcoming summits and meetings reflect a collaborative effort to resolve this prolonged crisis.

Original Source: www.rfi.fr