Angola Mediates Direct Talks Between Kinshasa and M23 Amid DRC Crisis

Angola is mediating the eastern DRC crisis, aiming to initiate direct negotiations between Kinshasa and the M23 group. Presidents Felix Tshisekedi and João Lourenço discussed this in Luanda, focusing on achieving lasting peace. The Congolese government appears to be reconsidering its refusal to engage directly with M23 after the Luanda meeting.

Angola has taken on a mediatory role in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) crisis, focusing on establishing direct negotiations between Kinshasa and the M23 militant group. President João Lourenço of Angola met with Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi in Luanda, where they discussed the initiation of talks aimed at achieving peace in the region.

Following a private meeting, Angola’s presidency announced plans to engage with the M23 to facilitate direct negotiations between their representatives and the DRC. This step aims to negotiate a lasting peace in the region, recognizing the ongoing conflict’s detrimental impact on both nations.

Angola is striving to mediate a ceasefire and alleviate tensions between the DRC and Rwanda, which allegedly supports the M23 rebels. Rwanda has refuted claims of military support, asserting its forces act in self-defense against hostile militias. Since January, the M23 rebels have aggressively captured key cities in eastern Congo, exacerbating conflicts linked to historical grievances and resource control.

Throughout the conflict, Kinshasa has resisted engaging directly with the M23, with President Tshisekedi previously insisting that negotiations should involve Rwanda, whom he deemed the M23’s “master.” However, following the Luanda discussions, Congolese officials expressed a willingness to consider the proposed negotiations while monitoring their implementation.

Congolese presidential spokesperson Tina Salama noted that an existing framework for negotiations is provided by the Nairobi process. Furthermore, a Southern African Development Community (SADC) summit addressing the DRC is underway, with additional discussions planned at the upcoming EU-South Africa summit and a United Nations Security Council meeting.

In summary, Angola’s mediation efforts in the DRC’s eastern crisis involve facilitating dialogue between Kinshasa and the M23 group. Although Kinshasa has previously been reluctant to engage directly with M23, recent discussions in Luanda indicate a potential shift towards negotiations. As the involvement of regional players continues to unfold, the overarching goal remains to achieve a durable peace amidst the ongoing turmoil in the region.

Original Source: www.rfi.fr