Congo’s Catholic Church met with rebel leader Corneille Nangaa amid rising tensions due to the M23’s control of Goma. The dialogue aims to unify differing political perspectives against President Tshisekedi. Concerns about escalating conflict persist as M23 threatens advances towards Bukavu and regional armies are involved.
On Wednesday, representatives from the powerful Catholic Church in Congo convened with rebel leader Corneille Nangaa, whose Rwandan-backed M23 forces captured Goma, the largest city in eastern Congo, last month. This meeting may provoke a response from the Kinshasa government, as Nangaa positions himself as a key figure opposing President Felix Tshisekedi. His political alliance, the Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC), views M23 as its military branch and has expressed intentions to advance toward Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu province.
The discussions in Goma commenced in the morning, with details not immediately disclosed. An unidentified church official remarked that the purpose was to gather viewpoints from diverse groups to facilitate dialogue that is acceptable to all parties. President Tshisekedi acknowledged the meeting on social media, indicating his willingness to engage with the Catholic Church, as long as the approach remains inclusive.
The situation is tense as M23’s movements raise concerns about escalating military conflict, including potential clashes involving regional armies, reminiscent of the historic wars between 1996 and 2003. Recent clashes occurred near Ihusi, located between Goma and Bukavu, involving both M23 and military sources. Bukavu and the crucial Kavumu town remain under the control of the Congolese army with support from allied pro-government militias and Burundian troops.
Reports from military and diplomatic sources suggest the accumulation of M23 and Rwandan forces at the border with South Kivu. Accusations from the Congolese government, the United Nations, and various Western nations assert that Rwanda has been providing troops and weaponry to the rebels. However, Rwanda has neither confirmed nor refuted these allegations, claiming its actions are in self-defense.
The ongoing violence in eastern Congo has led to significant casualties and displaced over one million individuals since early 2022. Despite these challenges, the United Nations reported a tentative return to calm in Goma, where daily activities have begun to normalize and many displaced citizens are leaving camps. M23 announced plans for the evacuation of displacement camps, which they later specified should be voluntary, demonstrating a desire to establish governance in the region.
In summary, the meeting between Congo’s Catholic Church representatives and M23 rebel leader Corneille Nangaa represents a critical development in the ongoing conflict in eastern Congo. As tensions mount and humanitarian issues escalate, the implications of this dialogue could influence future political dynamics in the region. The situation continues to evolve, highlighting the complex relationship between local factions and the Congolese government in a potentially broader conflict involving neighboring countries.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
