The Democratic Republic of Congo is considering participating in peace talks with the M23 rebel group, facilitated by Angola, amidst rising tensions linked to Rwandan involvement. Direct negotiations are unprecedented for Congo, which has previously resisted engaging with M23. The Southern African Development Community’s withdrawal of troops complicates the situation further, raising concerns for local industries as violence escalates in eastern Congo.
The Democratic Republic of Congo is contemplating sending representatives to peace talks with the M23 rebel group, which are slated to be hosted by Angola next week. The discussions come as M23 has articulated specific demands to the mediation team, amid ongoing tensions fueled by allegations of Rwandan support for the rebels, which Rwanda denies. Angola’s involvement aims to facilitate a ceasefire and alleviate hostilities between Congo and Rwanda.
Direct negotiations between Congo and M23 are set to commence in Luanda, marking the first official discussions of their kind. President Felix Tshisekedi has previously opposed engaging directly with M23. He emphasized the importance of translating decisions from the talks into immediate, impactful actions, as expressed in a post by the Congolese presidency on social media.
Government sources indicate that the Angolan proposal is under active consideration. There is a recognition that while this process may commence soon and hopes for brevity exist, it has the potential to extend. One source noted that even with direct talks, the accountability of Kigali must not be overlooked. M23 has welcomed Angola’s initiative but has pressed President Tshisekedi for a public commitment to the negotiation process.
M23’s demands include the establishment of a mediation team and clarity on how resolutions from a recent summit of Eastern and Southern African states would be enacted. They asserted that direct negotiations are essential for achieving a sustainable resolution to the ongoing crisis.
Additionally, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) has announced the termination of its troop deployment mission in Congo, known as SAMIDRC, which complicates the situation further for President Tshisekedi amidst criticism of his strategy against M23’s advances. SADC had been assisting Congo since December 2022 but has decided on a phased withdrawal of its forces. This potential gap in support coincides with increased M23 activity in eastern Congo, leading to concerns among local businesses, such as Alphamin Resources, which has suspended operations in response to the security threats.
The Democratic Republic of Congo is weighing its participation in peace talks with the M23 rebel group as Angola takes steps to mediate a resolution to ongoing conflicts exacerbated by tensions with Rwanda. Despite earlier refusals for direct negotiations, Tshisekedi’s government is considering the situation cautiously. The termination of SADC’s military involvement adds another layer of complexity, as local industries face disruptions due to escalating violence. Immediate and effective action arising from the dialogue will be crucial for restoring peace in the region.
Original Source: www.straitstimes.com
