DR Congo and M23 Rebels Engage in Peace Negotiations in Angola
DR Congo and M23 rebels confirmed participation in peace talks in Angola aimed at addressing escalating conflict in eastern DRC. Both sides have sent delegations, with M23 declaring they pressured for dialogue. The UN notes severe humanitarian crises, with significant displacement and casualties, linked to M23’s actions and Rwandan military support.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the M23 rebel group have confirmed participation in peace talks scheduled to occur in Luanda, Angola. Previously, DRC had rejected similar negotiations aimed at resolving the escalating conflict in its eastern region. The M23, which has captured significant territories rich in minerals, has escalated violence since the beginning of this year, leading to thousands of casualties.
Representatives from DRC, including a delegation sent by President Felix Tshisekedi, arrived in Luanda for the discussions. Tshisekedi had previously refused to negotiate directly with M23, which has been involved in long-standing conflicts rooted in complex historical issues. Following a declaration of their participation, M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka confirmed that their delegation is also present in Luanda for the talks.
Angola has actively sought to mediate a ceasefire, having announced the initiation of direct negotiations last week after previous talks were canceled. M23 leader Bertrand Bisimwa remarked that the negotiations were a result of M23’s efforts to pressure Tshisekedi to engage in dialogue, emphasizing that “peace begins with dialogue. The sooner we talk, the sooner peace becomes a reality.”
The violence in eastern DRC intensified as M23 captured critical locations like Goma and Bukavu. The ongoing conflict, with over 100 armed groups vying for influence in the mineral-rich region near Rwanda, has led to a severe humanitarian crisis affecting millions. The UN estimates more than seven million people displaced, with approximately 7,000 reported deaths since the year began.
M23 has been reported to receive support from around 4,000 Rwandan soldiers. Rwanda justifies its military involvement as defensive against threats posed by Congolese forces and militias. The conflict traces back to historical grievances, notably the fallout from the 1994 Rwandan genocide, and persists largely due to competition for valuable mineral resources. The UN Human Rights Council established a commission in February to examine allegations of atrocities committed by both parties involved in the conflict.
The participation of both DRC and the M23 rebels in the Angola peace talks represents a pivotal moment in addressing the ongoing crisis in eastern DRC. With a history rooted in conflict and humanitarian issues, the outcome of these discussions may pave the way for potential resolutions aimed at restoring peace and stability in the region. The international community is closely monitoring the developments following the long-standing grievances and violent confrontations in this mineral-rich area.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
