Angola is mediating direct talks between the DRC and M23 armed group, following discussions between Presidents Tshisekedi and Lourenço. Angola plans to facilitate negotiations in Luanda amid accusations of Rwandan support for M23. The DRC authorities are shifting towards possibly engaging the M23, yet tensions remain high with Rwanda’s involvement.
Angola is intensifying its mediation efforts in the ongoing crisis in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). President João Lourenço is actively facilitating negotiations between the Congolese government in Kinshasa and the M23 armed group. Recent discussions between President Felix Tshisekedi of the DRC and President Lourenço in Luanda have led to the possibility of initiating direct talks between the two parties.
Following a bilateral meeting, Angola’s presidency revealed plans to “establish contacts with the M23, so that the delegations of the DRC and the M23 conduct direct negotiations in Luanda in the coming days,” aiming for a sustainable peace settlement. Angola’s diplomacy aims to achieve a lasting ceasefire, particularly in the context of rising tensions involving Rwanda, which is accused of supporting the M23 rebels.
The Rwandan government has denied allegations of supplying arms and troops to the M23, asserting that their military presence is merely a self-defensive action against hostile Congolese forces. Since January, the M23 group has captured numerous towns in eastern Congo, exacerbating an enduring conflict rooted in issues stemming from Rwanda’s 1994 genocide and the fight for DRC’s mineral wealth.
Despite earlier refusals by Kinshasa to engage directly with the M23, the Congolese authorities are now indicating they are open to the Angolan mediation approach. Statements from the Congolese presidency affirm that they will assess the new developments from Luanda. Importantly, a negotiation framework is already in place through the Nairobi process, which outlines potential terms.
Upcoming discussions regarding the DRC crisis include a Southern African Development Community (SADC) summit set for Wednesday and the 8th EU-South Africa summit scheduled for 13 March in Cape Town. Additionally, a United Nations Security Council meeting focused on the DRC situation will take place on 4 April.
In summary, Angola is making significant strides toward facilitating direct negotiations between the DRC government and the M23 armed group following recent meetings between the respective leaders. While the Congolese authorities show increasing receptiveness to this diplomatic avenue, the situation remains complex due to underlying conflicts and accusations involving Rwanda. Various international forums, including SADC and UN discussions, will continue to address this precarious crisis, emphasizing the need for peace in eastern DRC.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
