The DRC government is participating in peace talks with the Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group in Angola, following previous refusals for direct negotiations. The talks come amidst a worsening humanitarian crisis, exacerbated by the conflict and international support for the rebels. The UN has commenced investigations into atrocities, and the US is interested in mining partnerships dependent on regional stability.
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) government is set to engage in peace talks with the M23 rebel group, which is supported by Rwanda, in Angola. A spokesperson for President Felix Tshisekedi, Tina Salama, confirmed this arrangement, noting that a delegation from DRC has arrived in Luanda for the discussions. Previously, Mr. Tshisekedi expressed his reluctance to negotiate directly with the rebels.
The M23 group, which has gained control of significant areas in the resource-rich eastern DRC, also dispatched representatives to the negotiations, as stated by their spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka on social media. The conflict intensified in January, leading to the capture of Goma, a strategic city, followed by Bukavu in February.
Angola has stepped in as a mediator and announced last week that it would host the direct peace negotiations on Tuesday. However, peace talks had been abruptly canceled in December when Rwanda conditioned any peace agreement on direct talks between M23 and the DRC government, which DRC refused. Mr. Tshisekedi remarked, “A dialogue with a terrorist group like the M23 is a red line that we will never cross” during an address to the diplomatic community in January.
M23 is one of numerous armed factions competing for influence in eastern DRC, a region that has given rise to severe humanitarian crises, displacing over seven million individuals. It is estimated by UN experts that approximately 4,000 troops from Rwanda support the M23 forces, with threats to advance further towards the DRC capital, Kinshasa.
Last month, the UN Human Rights Council initiated a commission to investigate accusations of atrocities committed by both parties during the conflict. Recently, the US State Department expressed interest in establishing a mining partnership with DRC and has initiated preliminary discussions. On Sunday, Mr. Tshisekedi met with US special envoy Ronny Jackson to explore potential security and economic collaborations, emphasizing the need for peace to facilitate US corporate investment in DRC.
The upcoming peace talks in Angola represent a significant development in the ongoing conflict between the DRC government and the M23 rebels. Despite previous refusals to engage directly, the DRC is now participating in discussions amidst escalating tensions and humanitarian crises. The involvement of international actors, including the US, suggests a multifaceted approach to achieving stability in the region, highlighting the critical need for peace to foster economic partnerships and address the humanitarian situation.
Original Source: morningstaronline.co.uk
