The Democratic Republic of the Congo and M23 rebels will commence direct peace negotiations in Luanda, Angola, on March 18. This follows a meeting between DRC President Felix Tshisekedi and Angolan President Joao Lourenco. The conflict has led to significant casualties and displacement, with M23 claiming it forced the government to negotiate. The situation is further complicated by the involvement of various armed groups and neighboring countries.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the M23 rebels are set to commence direct negotiations in Luanda, Angola, on March 18, according to a statement from Angola, which is acting as the mediator. The announcement follows a conversation between DRC President Felix Tshisekedi and Angolan President Joao Lourenco, where discussions focused on the prospect of peaceful talks. The DRC government confirmed receipt of Angola’s invitation for these discussions.
The ongoing conflict intensified in late January, when M23 rebels, allegedly supported by Rwanda, seized control of Goma, a strategic city in eastern Congo, followed by Bukavu, the region’s second-largest city. Rwanda, however, denies any involvement with the M23 group, which is historically linked to the aftermath of the 1994 Rwandan genocide and the struggle for control over valuable mineral resources in the DRC.
Amid the escalating violence, which has resulted in a death toll of at least 7,000 since January, the United Nations refugee agency has reported that approximately 80,000 people have fled their homes due to the conflict. Notably, 61,000 individuals have sought refuge in neighboring Burundi, as per the agency’s deputy director of international protection, Patrick Eba.
The M23 is among approximately 100 armed groups competing for resource control in eastern Congo, an area rich in minerals such as coltan, cobalt, copper, and lithium. The presence of military forces from neighboring countries, including South Africa, Burundi, and Uganda, exacerbates concerns of a broader regional conflict reminiscent of the devastating Congo wars of the 1990s and early 2000s.
In conclusion, the scheduled direct talks between the DRC and M23 rebels represent a significant step towards potentially resolving the longstanding conflict that has led to severe human consequences, including loss of life and displacement. With Angola mediating, there exists a crucial opportunity for dialogue; however, the historical complexities of the conflict, including external influences and resource competition, must be adequately addressed for lasting peace.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
