The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo will participate in peace talks with the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group in Angola. This follows a previous refusal by President Felix Tshisekedi to engage directly with the rebels. The ongoing conflict has resulted in a significant humanitarian crisis, with over seven million displaced individuals. US officials expressed interest in establishing economic partnerships pending stability in the region.
The Democratic Republic of Congo’s government will engage in peace negotiations with the M23 rebel group, supported by Rwanda, in Luanda, Angola. Tina Salama, spokesperson for President Felix Tshisekedi, confirmed that a delegation from DR Congo is presently in the Angolan capital for these discussions. Previously, President Tshisekedi had declined direct talks with the rebels.
M23 has gained control of several key regions in eastern DR Congo, which is rich in minerals. The group’s spokesperson, Lawrence Kanyuka, announced their attendance at the negotiations via social media. The conflict intensified in January when M23 captured the strategic city of Goma, a move followed by the seizure of Bukavu in February.
Angola has been mediating the conflict and hosted negotiations, which were unexpectedly canceled last December due to Rwanda’s demand for direct dialogue between the rebels and the Congolese government. President Tshisekedi asserted that negotiating with groups branded as terrorists is unacceptable. M23 is among approximately 100 armed groups contesting control in eastern DR Congo, contributing to a significant humanitarian crisis that has displaced over seven million individuals.
UN experts reported that the M23 rebels are backed by roughly 4,000 Rwandan troops and have expressed intentions to advance to Kinshasa, the capital. The UN Human Rights Council has initiated an investigation into alleged atrocities, including severe human rights abuses by both conflicting parties. The US State Department, meanwhile, has indicated its willingness to explore mining partnerships in DR Congo and confirmed that discussions have commenced.
On Sunday, President Tshisekedi met with the US special envoy for DR Congo, Ronny Jackson, to deliberate on security and economic cooperation. Jackson stated, “We want to work together so that [US] companies can invest and work in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and for that we have to make sure there is peace in the country.”
In conclusion, the Democratic Republic of Congo’s involvement in peace talks with the M23 rebel group marks an important step towards addressing a prolonged conflict exacerbating humanitarian crises in the region. The discussions occur under Angola’s mediation, following the prior refusal to negotiate due to the rebels’ designation as terrorists. The international community, particularly the United States, has acknowledged the necessity for collaborative efforts towards fostering peace and supporting economic development in DR Congo. Overall, the situation remains complex amidst the ongoing humanitarian crisis and military hostilities.
Original Source: morningstaronline.co.uk
