Congo Government and M23 Rebels to Commence Peace Talks in Angola

The Congolese government will hold peace talks with M23 rebels next week in Angola, following tensions that escalated in January. The negotiations, hosted in Luanda, are facilitated by Angolan President João Lourenço. M23, supported by Rwandan troops, is among many armed groups in eastern Congo, contributing to a severe humanitarian crisis affecting millions.

Next week, the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) will engage in peace talks with M23 rebels in Angola, following escalating tensions that began in January. The Angolan capital, Luanda, will host these discussions as Angolan President João Lourenço’s office confirmed the initiation of “direct peace negotiations.”

The situation in eastern Congo deteriorated significantly in late January, with Rwanda-backed M23 rebels capturing the strategic city of Goma. Subsequently, the rebels seized Bukavu, the second largest city in eastern Congo, further escalating the conflict. President Felix Tshisekedi of Congo visited Angola recently to discuss the potential for these peace talks.

Angolan mediation efforts have been pivotal in managing the conflict. A statement from Lourenço’s office revealed that discussions between Congolese representatives and M23 will start on March 18. The Congolese government did not provide an immediate response to media inquiries regarding the talks.

“The Government of the Republic of Angola makes public that delegations from the Democratic Republic of Congo and M23 will begin direct peace negotiations,” the statement outlined. Spokesperson Tina Salama expressed hope for the successful implementation of the Angolan mediation initiative on social media.

Previously, peace talks hosted by Angola faced cancellations and did not include M23 representatives, focusing instead on their Rwandan supporters. In December, anticipated talks between Congo and Rwanda were shelved when Rwanda insisted on direct negotiations with M23, a condition Congo declined.

M23 is among around 100 armed groups in eastern Congo, competing for control of the mineral-rich region bordering Rwanda. This conflict has generated a humanitarian crisis, displacing over 7 million individuals. UN experts estimate M23 is supported by approximately 4,000 Rwandan troops, and the rebels have threatened to advance toward Kinshasa, the DRC’s capital, located over 1,500 kilometers away.

Furthermore, the UN Human Rights Council has initiated an investigation into grave human rights violations, including allegations of rape and extrajudicial killings by both factions in the conflict.

In summary, peace negotiations between the Congolese government and M23 rebels are set to commence in Luanda, Angola, as tensions escalate due to territorial advancements by the rebels. These talks signal a potential shift in the ongoing conflict, with implications for regional stability and humanitarian efforts. With backing from Rwanda and amid significant humanitarian suffering, the outcome of these discussions will be closely monitored by the international community.

Original Source: www.euronews.com