M23 rebels will participate in peace talks with the DRC government in Angola, reversing previous stances against negotiation. The talks aim to address long-standing conflicts, with both parties seeking a sustainable ceasefire amid ongoing violence that has resulted in significant casualties and displacement.
The M23 rebels, backed by Rwanda, announced their participation in peace talks with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) government, set to commence in Luanda, Angola. This five-member delegation will depart on Monday in response to a request from Angolan authorities, according to spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka from the AFC rebel alliance.
In a significant development, President Felix Tshisekedi’s office indicated that DRC would also send representatives to the talks, effectively overturning a previous stance against negotiations with the M23 rebels. Angola has been facilitating efforts to establish a long-term ceasefire and mitigate tensions between Congo and Rwanda, which has been accused of supplying arms and personnel to the M23 group.
Rwanda contends that its military actions are in self-defense against threats posed by the Congolese army and hostile militias. The ongoing conflict, which has affected eastern Congo for decades, stems from the repercussions of Rwanda’s 1994 genocide and the competitive scramble for Congo’s extensive mineral resources.
This year has seen an escalation in hostilities, with M23 capturing territories including two of eastern Congo’s largest cities. The DRC government reports that over 7,000 individuals have lost their lives in the conflict since January, while the United Nations humanitarian office estimates that at least 600,000 people have been displaced since November.
The upcoming peace talks in Angola represent a pivotal opportunity for de-escalation in the DRC conflict, with both sides showing readiness to negotiate after prolonged hostility. The involvement of Angolan mediators aims to foster a sustainable ceasefire and address the human toll of the conflict, while the underlying tensions regarding territorial control and external military involvement continue to pose challenges for peace.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
