Angola mediates talks between Kinshasa and M23 in eastern DRC crisis. Recent discussions between Presidents Tshisekedi and Lourenço signal potential for direct negotiations. Rwanda’s involvement is contested, as tensions escalate. The Congolese government is now considering Angola’s mediation approach ahead of various international discussions on the conflict.
Angola is actively mediating in the ongoing crisis in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), with President João Lourenço focusing on initiating direct negotiations between the Congolese government in Kinshasa and the M23 armed group. A recent meeting on this issue took place in Luanda, where Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi and President Lourenço discussed efforts to bring about peace.
Following their one-on-one discussions, Angola’s administration announced intentions to facilitate contact with the M23, enabling the two sides to engage in direct negotiations in Luanda within the upcoming days, aiming for a definitive peace agreement. This mediation comes amidst escalating tensions in the region, particularly between the DRC and Rwanda, which has been accused of supporting the M23 rebels.
The Rwandan government continues to deny these allegations, claiming that its forces are operating in self-defense against hostile Congolese militias. M23 has made significant territorial advances in eastern Congo, controlling major cities and provincial capitals in North and South Kivu since January, exacerbating a protracted conflict that traces back to the historical impact of Rwanda’s 1994 genocide and competition over mineral wealth in the DRC.
Despite previously rejecting direct talks with the M23, President Tshisekedi has shifted his stance following the Luanda meeting, noting that any negotiations should ideally involve Rwanda, which he labeled as “the master” of the M23. The Congolese leadership is now prepared to observe the outcomes of the proposed Angolan mediation, as indicated by presidency spokesperson Tina Salama, who emphasized the existing framework for negotiations within the Nairobi process.
Upcoming discussions include a Southern African Development Community (SADC) summit dedicated to the DRC, as well as participation in the EU-South Africa summit on March 13. Additionally, the United Nations Security Council has scheduled a meeting for April 4 to address the conflict in eastern DRC.
The ongoing conflict in eastern DRC is seeing a potential shift towards direct negotiations prompted by Angola’s mediation efforts. President Lourenço’s proposal for talks between Kinshasa and the M23 marks a significant development, particularly as tensions continue to escalate in the region. The Congolese government’s evolving stance, in light of Angola’s intervention, could pave the way for a lasting resolution as various international forums prepare to engage with this crisis.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
