The DRC and M23 rebels are to initiate direct peace talks next week in Angola, following escalated violence and human suffering in the region. The conflict has claimed thousands of lives and prompted significant displacement, with regional tensions running high due to military presence from neighboring countries. The talks are seen as a crucial step towards resolving longstanding issues.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the M23 rebels, with support from Rwanda, are set to commence direct peace negotiations next week, as confirmed by mediator Angola. President Joao Lourenco’s office announced that discussions will begin in Luanda on March 18, upon receiving an invitation from Angola, according to a spokesperson for DRC President Felix Tshisekedi.
Angola has previously mediated in the DRC conflict, which has worsened since January when the M23 rebels captured Goma, a key city in eastern Congo. Afterward, their control expanded to Bukavu, the region’s second-largest city. Rwanda has denied any involvement in backing the M23, which is tied to the aftermath of Rwanda’s 1994 genocide and the struggle for DRC’s mineral wealth.
President Tshisekedi recently visited Angola to deliberate on the negotiation prospects. His spokesperson, Tina Salama, confirmed the invitation from Angola but did not disclose the government’s decision regarding participation. M23 leader Bertrand Bisimwa stated that the rebels’ advances compelled the government to engage in dialogue, labeling this as the “only civilized option” to resolve the longstanding crisis.
The conflict has led to significant human suffering, with the government reporting over 7,000 fatalities since January. The United Nations refugee agency recently indicated that nearly 80,000 individuals have fled the violence, with 61,000 taking refuge in neighboring Burundi. M23 is among approximately 100 armed factions striving for control over eastern Congo’s rich mineral resources, including coltan and cobalt.
Regional tensions remain high, as DRC neighbors such as South Africa, Burundi, and Uganda maintain military presence in the area, raising concerns of a potential broader conflict reminiscent of the devastating Congo wars of the late 20th century.
The impending direct talks between the DRC government and M23 rebels, mediated by Angola, signify a pivotal moment in addressing the ongoing conflict that has led to numerous casualties and displacement in the region. With multi-faceted issues stemming from historical grievances and natural resource control, successful negotiations may be crucial in averting further violence and promoting stability in eastern Congo. The international community’s attention remains focused on these developments, assessing their potential impact on regional peace and security.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
