Direct peace talks between the DRC and M23 rebels will begin in Angola on March 18. Angola is mediating efforts to mitigate tensions with Rwanda, accused of supporting M23. Reports indicate significant casualties and displacement since the conflict escalated. The involvement of regional troops raises fears of a wider conflict similar to historical Congo wars.
On March 18, direct peace talks between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the M23 rebels are set to commence in Angola, as announced by the Angolan presidency. This development follows Congo’s acknowledgment of the Angolan initiative, despite previous refusals to engage directly with the rebel group. The spokesperson for Congo’s President, Felix Tshisekedi, confirmed that an invitation from Angola has been received, although government participation remains uncertain.
Angola is actively mediating efforts to establish a ceasefire and alleviate tensions between the DRC and Rwanda, which is accused of supporting the M23 rebels, allegations that Rwanda has denied. Bertrand Bisimwa, leader of the M23, asserted that negotiating with the Congolese leadership is the only reasonable course to resolve the escalating conflict.
The rising conflict over the control of regions in eastern DRC is profoundly troubling. The rebels recently captured Goma and Bukavu and continue advancing in local villages, intensifying an already complex crisis stemming from historical grievances related to Rwanda’s 1994 genocide and the competition for DRC’s mineral wealth.
The UN estimates that over 7,000 individuals have lost their lives amid this ongoing violence, with around 600,000 displaced since late 2022. Additionally, Human Rights Watch has flagged increasing suppression of civic freedoms in areas contested by M23, including harassment and violence against activists and journalists, allegedly with assistance from Rwandan forces.
Concerns are heightened as regional neighbors, such as Burundi and Uganda, deploy troops to eastern DRC, stirring fears of a broader conflict akin to the devastating Congo wars of the 1990s and early 2000s.
The impending peace talks in Angola symbolize a critical step towards addressing the violence and instability in the eastern DRC, particularly with the M23 rebels. The conducted negotiations aim to forge a sustainable ceasefire and perhaps provide clarity on governance within affected regions. However, the deteriorating humanitarian situation and the involvement of regional forces elevate concerns over an expansive conflict, necessitating urgent international attention and intervention.
Original Source: www.inkl.com
