Angola is mediating the crisis in eastern DRC, seeking to facilitate direct talks between Kinshasa and the M23 rebel group. Following discussions between Presidents Lourenço and Tshisekedi, Angola announced plans to promote negotiations in Luanda. The situation is exacerbated by accusations against Rwanda for supporting M23, which Rwanda denies. Tensions have escalated as M23 has captured several cities since January.
Angola is actively mediating the ongoing crisis in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) under the leadership of President João Lourenço. His objective is to initiate direct negotiations between the Congolese government in Kinshasa and the M23 armed group, a rebel force causing significant instability in the region.
In a recent meeting held in Luanda, President Lourenço and Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi discussed the potential for talks between Kinshasa and M23. Angola’s presidency announced plans to facilitate contacts with the M23 to arrange direct negotiations in Luanda aimed at achieving a lasting peace in the DRC.
Angola’s diplomatic efforts are particularly focused on establishing a ceasefire and reducing tensions not only between the DRC and the M23 but also with neighboring Rwanda, which faces allegations of supporting the rebels. The Rwandan authorities deny these claims and assert that their military actions are defensive in nature.
The push for direct negotiations in the DRC, spearheaded by Angola, highlights an essential diplomatic effort to stabilize a region marked by conflict. As Angola prepares to mediate discussions between Congolese authorities and the M23, it remains to be seen how effective these negotiations will be in achieving a peaceful resolution and addressing the complex issues rooted in the history of the DRC.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
