Congo will engage in peace talks with M23 rebels in Angola, marking a change in stance by President Tshisekedi. The M23, backed by Rwanda, has captured significant territory in eastern Congo, leading to a humanitarian crisis. U.N. investigations into human rights violations are underway, while discussions for U.S. investment in Congo’s mining sector have begun.
The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo has announced its participation in peace talks with the M23 rebel group on Tuesday in Angola. This announcement was confirmed by Tina Salama, spokesperson for President Felix Tshisekedi, ahead of the negotiations in Luanda, where a Congolese delegation is attending. President Tshisekedi had previously expressed reluctance to engage in direct talks with the rebels.
The M23, which has received backing from Rwanda and has made significant territorial gains in eastern Congo, has also dispatched a delegation to Luanda. The conflict intensified in January when the M23 seized control of Goma and subsequently Bukavu, impacting the region’s already precarious humanitarian situation. Angola has taken the role of mediator, facilitating direct negotiations scheduled for Tuesday.
Previous peace talks between Congo and Rwanda were halted in December due to Rwanda’s demand for direct dialogue between Congo and M23 before a peace agreement could be established, a condition Congo rejected. Tshisekedi has been firm, stating that he will not engage “with a terrorist group like the M23.” The M23 is among numerous armed factions in eastern Congo, a region rich in minerals and plagued by one of the world’s dire humanitarian crises, resulting in over 7 million displaced individuals.
Support for the M23 includes approximately 4,000 troops from Rwanda, as reported by U.N. experts. The rebels have threatened to expand their campaign towards the Congolese capital, Kinshasa. Last month, the U.N. Human Rights Council initiated a commission to investigate alleged atrocities committed by both the Congolese forces and the rebels, including severe human rights violations.
Additionally, discussions regarding potential mining partnerships have reignited interest from the United States, with confirmation of preliminary talks. President Tshisekedi recently met with U.S. special envoy Rep. Ronny Jackson to explore partnerships that would facilitate American involvement in Congo’s mining sector, underscoring that achieving peace is a prerequisite for such collaborations.
In conclusion, the Democratic Republic of Congo’s decision to engage in peace talks with the M23 rebels marks a significant shift in its diplomatic approach. Despite previous reluctance to negotiate directly with the group, the upcoming talks in Angola may pave the way for addressing ongoing conflicts and humanitarian crises in the region. The discussions may also open opportunities for international partnerships in mining, crucial for Congo’s economic development.
Original Source: www.winnipegfreepress.com
