M23 rebels will participate in peace talks with the DRC government in Angola, marking a change in stance from Kinshasa, which previously refused negotiations. The conflict, rooted in historical issues and recent military escalations, has resulted in significant casualties and displacement, urging mediation efforts by Angola.
On Monday, Rwandan-backed M23 rebels announced their intent to participate in peace negotiations with the government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). These talks are anticipated to commence on Tuesday in Luanda, Angola’s capital. Lawrence Kanyuka, spokesperson for the Allied Forces for Change (AFC), which encompasses M23, confirmed that a five-member delegation would depart to engage in dialogue at the invitation of Angolan authorities.
In a significant shift, President Felix Tshisekedi’s office declared that Kinshasa would also send representatives to the talks, contradicting prior commitments to avoid negotiations with M23. Angola has been active in mediating a ceasefire and reducing tensions between the DRC and Rwanda, which has been accused by the UN and others of providing military assistance to the M23 rebel group.
Rwanda contends that its military actions are defensive, aimed at addressing threats posed by the DRC army and allied militias. The ongoing conflict in eastern DRC, exacerbated by Rwanda’s 1994 genocide and issues surrounding control of the country’s mineral wealth, has persisted for decades and escalated in recent months, with M23 capturing significant territories that include the two largest cities in eastern DRC.
The DRC government has reported over 7,000 casualties linked to the conflict since January, and recent figures indicate that the fighting has led to the displacement of at least 600,000 individuals since November, according to data from the UN humanitarian affairs office.
The participation of the M23 rebels and the DRC government in the upcoming peace talks in Angola marks a pivotal moment in addressing the long-standing conflict in the region. These negotiations may provide a necessary platform for mediation, potentially leading to a ceasefire and improved relations between the DRC and Rwanda, amid an escalating humanitarian crisis and years of violent strife.
Original Source: www.timeslive.co.za
