Angola will host direct peace talks between the Democratic Republic of Congo and M23 rebels starting on 18 March, aiming to mediate a ceasefire amid rising tensions involving Rwanda. Despite initially refusing talks, the Congolese government acknowledged Angola’s initiative. The M23 conflict has led to significant casualties and displacement, with regional implications suggesting potential wider conflict.
Angola has announced that direct peace talks between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and M23 rebels are set to commence in the Angolan capital on 18 March. This initiative was confirmed through a statement by Angola’s presidency, which aims to mediate a lasting ceasefire amid escalating tensions involving Rwanda, accused of supporting the M23 rebel group—which it denies. The Congolese presidency has acknowledged receipt of Angola’s message but has not confirmed participation in the negotiations.
Despite previously refusing to engage in talks with M23, the Congolese government has noted Angola’s proposal for direct discussions. Tina Salama, a spokesperson for President Felix Tshisekedi, stated that the invitation from Angola has been received but did not disclose details regarding the government’s response. Notably, M23 leader Bertrand Bisimwa expressed confidence on social media, asserting that negotiations represent “the only civilised option to resolve the current crisis” that has rapidly intensified since January.
Furthermore, the ongoing conflict in eastern DRC is scheduled for discussion at an upcoming extraordinary summit of Southern African Development Community (SADC) leaders, convened via videoconference. This meeting, chaired by Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa, will focus on clarifying the status of regional armed forces deployed in the affected areas. The M23 rebels have captured key provincial capitals, Goma and Bukavu, since January.
This conflict is deeply rooted in historical grievances, stemming from Rwanda’s 1994 genocide and exacerbated by the contention for control over the DRC’s rich mineral resources, including coltan and cobalt. The DRC government reports that at least 7,000 individuals have died in the recent violence, with over 600,000 displaced since November, according to the UN humanitarian affairs office (Ocha). Human Rights Watch has raised concerns over human rights abuses in regions governed by the M23, noting that Rwandan-backed rebels have intimidated civil society members and journalists, occasionally resulting in murder.
In light of these developments, neighboring countries such as Burundi and Uganda maintain military presence in eastern DRC, raising apprehensions about a potential escalation into wider regional conflict, akin to the catastrophic Congo wars of the 1990s and early 2000s that claimed millions of lives.
The planned peace talks facilitated by Angola signify a critical opportunity to address the ongoing conflict between the DRC and M23 rebels. With the backdrop of historical tensions and regional implications, these discussions will be pivotal in pursuit of a ceasefire and resolution. However, the humanitarian crisis continues to escalate, necessitating urgent action from the international community to protect vulnerable populations and uphold human rights.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
