Angola to Host Direct Peace Talks Between Congo and M23 Rebels on 18 March
Angola has scheduled direct peace talks between Congo and M23 rebels for 18 March, aiming to mediate a ceasefire. While Congo has received the initiative, participation remains uncertain. The conflict has resulted in significant casualties and displacement, raising fears of broader regional warfare.
Angola has announced that direct peace talks between the Democratic Republic of Congo and M23 rebels are scheduled to commence on 18 March in the Angolan capital. The Congolese presidency acknowledged receipt of this initiative but has yet to confirm participation in the discussions. Angola aims to broker these talks to promote a lasting ceasefire and ease tensions between Congo and Rwanda, which has been accused of supporting the M23 rebel group, though Rwanda denies these claims.
Congo’s leadership has historically resisted direct negotiations with the M23 rebels. However, the Angolan effort has prompted the Congolese government to recognize the proposal. Tina Salama, the spokesperson for President Felix Tshisekedi, confirmed the government’s awareness of Angola’s invitation without disclosing their intent to participate.
The M23 leader, Bertrand Bisimwa, remarked on X that their negotiations with Tshisekedi represent “the only civilized option to resolve the current crisis,” which has seen escalating violence since January. In light of the deteriorating situation, an extraordinary Southern African Development Community (SADC) summit is set to convene virtually to discuss the regional armed forces in eastern DRC.
The ongoing conflict has resulted in M23’s capture of Goma and Bukavu, as well as further advances into smaller villages. This longstanding conflict is intricately linked to the aftermath of Rwanda’s 1994 genocide and the struggle over Congo’s mineral wealth, which includes critical resources such as coltan and cobalt.
Since January, the fighting has claimed the lives of at least 7,000 individuals, with over 600,000 people displaced since November, according to the United Nations’ humanitarian affairs office. Human Rights Watch has also raised alarms regarding the decline of civil liberties in M23-controlled regions, reporting threats and violence against activists and journalists, often with apparent support from Rwandan forces.
The volatile situation in eastern DRC poses risks of re-igniting a broader regional conflict similar to those experienced during the Congo wars of the 1990s and 2000s, which led to extensive loss of life.
In summary, Angola’s facilitation of direct peace talks between the Democratic Republic of Congo and M23 rebels represents a pivotal effort to restore stability amid escalating violence. The acknowledgment of this initiative by the Congolese government indicates a possible shift in their approach toward negotiation. However, the situation remains precarious, with significant humanitarian concerns and historical implications that may shape future developments.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
