Angola is facilitating dialogue between the DRC government and M23 rebels. Discussions follow President Tshisekedi’s visit to Luanda, fueling hope for reduced hostilities. While the DRC traditionally refuses dialogue with the M23, regional leaders aim to merge peace initiatives to address escalating tensions fueled by historical conflict.
Angola is actively seeking to facilitate direct discussions between the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) government and the M23 rebel group, with expectations for these talks to take place soon. This initiative was disclosed by Angola’s Presidency following DRC President Felix Tshisekedi’s visit to Luanda, which has sparked optimism regarding the potential resolution of ongoing conflicts in eastern DRC. Historically, Kinshasa has been reluctant to engage in direct dialogue with the M23, which the United Nations attributes to Rwandan support, a claim that Rwanda categorically denies.
During Tshisekedi’s meeting with Angolan President Joao Lourenco, emphasis was placed on the importance of the Luanda Process, a peace initiative endorsed by the African Union (AU) aimed at addressing escalating tensions between Rwanda and the DRC. The DRC’s government has drawn a firm line against negotiating with the M23, which has captured significant territories in the North and South Kivu provinces. In a past statement, Tshisekedi affirmed his position against any negotiation with the M23: “Never, ever, as long as I am president of the DRC, will I have in front of me the delegation of the M23… to negotiate.”
In response to Angola’s push for mediation, Tshisekedi’s spokesperson characterized it as “an approach by Angolan mediation,” indicating that Kinshasa awaits tangible implementation. The Luanda Process has faced challenges, particularly after a failed summit set for December 2023, which was cancelled when Rwandan President Paul Kagame did not attend, citing the DRC’s refusal to directly engage with the M23 as the reason for his absence.
Additionally, the DRC has expressed interest in resuming the Nairobi Process, an initiative led by the East African Community (EAC). However, the Nairobi Process is currently perceived to be at a standstill. The DRC leadership has expelled the M23 from these discussions, positioning them as a representative of foreign interests. The ongoing strife between the DRC and M23 is steeped in historical tensions following the Rwandan genocide in 1994, with reciprocal accusations of foreign meddling complicating the situation further.
Concerns are mounting over the potential for the conflict to expand regionally, as highlighted by Burundian President Evariste Ndayishimiye, who stated that ongoing hostilities could lead to widespread conflict. Various African leaders aim to maintain a focus on “African solutions to African problems,” despite some disconnect among regional partners regarding the respective futures of the Nairobi and Luanda processes.
At a joint summit convened by the EAC and SADC in Dar es Salaam, leaders proposed consolidating both processes into a singular framework. Recent efforts have led to the appointment of facilitators, including former leaders such as Uhuru Kenyatta, Olusegun Obasanjo, and Hailemariam Desalegn, tasked with steering the combined initiative. The DRC government has advocated for ensuring that both peace mechanisms operate under equal organizational structures, calling for their alignment under AU oversight to establish coherence in their objectives.
In a related development, the SADC is preparing to convene an extraordinary summit to address the security situation in the DRC, potentially discussing the withdrawal of its military presence in eastern regions. A SADC force, consisting of troops from Malawi, South Africa, and Tanzania, has been collaborating with DRC military forces since December 2023 to counter armed factions in the area.
In conclusion, Angola’s efforts to mediate between the DRC government and M23 rebels represent a crucial step towards resolving ongoing conflicts in eastern DRC. Despite historical reluctance by Kinshasa to engage directly with the M23, recent diplomatic engagements signal potential progress. The establishment of joint processes under the African Union highlights the regional commitment to fostering peace and stability in light of ongoing tensions and historical grievances.
Original Source: www.socialnews.xyz
