Upcoming Peace Talks in Angola Address DRC Conflict with M23 Rebels
Peace talks scheduled for March 18, 2025, in Angola aim to resolve the conflict between the DRC government and M23 rebels. The conflict has led to over 7,000 deaths and 600,000 displacements. Angolan President Joao Lourenco is mediating the talks, following discussions with DRC President Tshisekedi, while allegations of Rwandan support for M23 persist. The talks represent a crucial step toward addressing the humanitarian crisis in eastern Congo.
Peace talks are set to occur between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) government and M23 rebels in Angola on March 18, 2025. This conflict has persisted since January 2025, leading to significant casualties and displacements. Reports indicate that Angola is stepping in as a mediator in the escalating tensions in eastern Congo, particularly after the M23 rebels captured key cities like Goma and Bukavu.
The Congolese government has reported that over 7,000 individuals have tragically lost their lives in the ongoing hostilities. Furthermore, the UN Office for Humanitarian Affairs reveals that approximately 600,000 individuals have been displaced as a result of the violence since November 2024. Allegations against Rwanda for supporting the Tutsi-led M23 rebels continue, a charge that Rwanda has refuted.
Recently, DRC President Felix Tshisekedi visited Angola to explore negotiation avenues, receiving an invitation to the talks, although his participation remains uncertain. M23’s leader, Bertrand Bisimwa, asserted his influence in drawing President Tshisekedi to the negotiations, labeling this effort as the “only civilized option for resolving the current crisis.”
The M23 rebels, originating in 2012, comprise mainly individuals from the Tutsi ethnic group. They emerged in response to perceived discrimination and competition over resources and power. This armed group is named after a peace agreement from March 23, 2009, which they claim the government has failed to adhere to. The situation remains tense, with reports of M23 fighters and Rwandan troops advancing despite a declared ceasefire and capturing territories within eastern DRC.
The upcoming peace talks in Angola represent a significant opportunity to address the ongoing conflict between the DRC government and the M23 rebels. The grave humanitarian crisis, highlighted by thousands of deaths and mass displacements, underscores the urgent need for dialogue and resolution. The international community will be closely monitoring the developments as both parties seek a way to end the violence and restore stability.
Original Source: unn.ua
