The Democratic Republic of Congo will attend peace talks in Angola on Tuesday with Rwandan-backed M23 rebels. Following military defeats, President Tshisekedi is reconsidering his previous refusal to negotiate. M23 has confirmed their participation and has presented demands, including a public commitment from Tshisekedi to engage directly with them.
The Democratic Republic of Congo is set to send a delegation to Angola on Tuesday to engage in peace talks aimed at addressing the escalating conflict with Rwandan-backed rebels in the eastern region. This announcement was made by the presidency on Sunday, as a preparatory step for discussions scheduled to start on March 18 in Luanda.
President Felix Tshisekedi, previously resistant to dialogue with the M23 rebel group, appears to be reconsidering his stance following recent military setbacks and diminishing regional support for Congo. The exact composition of the delegation remains undecided, as stated by presidency spokesperson Tina Salama.
The M23 rebels have acknowledged receipt of the invitation extended by Angola to participate in the talks. Their spokesperson, Lawrence Kanyuka, indicated on X that the group has outlined certain conditions, including a request for President Tshisekedi to publicly affirm his intention to engage in negotiations directly with the rebel faction.
The DRC’s participation in the peace talks with M23 rebels in Angola marks a significant shift in President Tshisekedi’s approach, prompted by ongoing military challenges and a decrease in regional backing. The M23’s demands for a public commitment from Tshisekedi underscore the complexities surrounding the negotiation process. This development remains critical in the efforts to stabilize the eastern DRC.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
