The DRC and M23 rebels are set to commence direct peace negotiations in Luanda, Angola, on March 18, mediated by Angola. Tensions have risen recently due to M23’s territorial gains. The conflict has resulted in over 7,000 deaths and significant displacement of people. M23 asserts that negotiations are necessary to resolve the longstanding crisis.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) will engage in direct talks with the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels next week, as confirmed by the Angolan government, which is mediating these negotiations. President Joao Lourenco’s office announced that these peace negotiations are set to commence on March 18 in Luanda, Angola. A spokesperson for DRC President Felix Tshisekedi acknowledged receipt of the invitation for the talks, though it remains unclear if the DRC will participate.
Angola has facilitated discussions in the DRC conflict previously, particularly as tensions rose when M23 took control of the strategic city of Goma in late January and subsequently seized Bukavu in February. Rwanda has denied its involvement in supporting the M23 group, despite the conflict’s historical ties to the aftermath of the 1994 Rwandan genocide and the control of DRC’s extensive mineral wealth.
During a recent visit to Angola, President Tshisekedi discussed the possibility of negotiations. M23 leader Bertrand Bisimwa asserted that the pressure from his group had compelled the government to the negotiation table, labeling talks as the “only civilized option” for resolving a prolonged crisis. The conflict has had severe repercussions, with reports of over 7,000 fatalities since January and nearly 80,000 individuals fleeing the country due to violence.
Currently, the M23 is one among approximately 100 armed groups competing for control of DRC’s rich mineral resources, including coltan, cobalt, copper, and lithium. The presence of foreign troops from countries such as South Africa, Burundi, and Uganda in the eastern DRC has amplified concerns regarding a potential escalation into a wider regional conflict, reminiscent of the catastrophic Congo wars of the 1990s and early 2000s.
In summary, the upcoming direct peace negotiations between the DRC and M23 rebels, mediated by Angola, represent an important potential step toward resolving the ongoing conflict in the region. The backdrop of historical tensions and resource struggles complicates these discussions, with severe humanitarian consequences already evident. Active participation from both sides will be crucial in addressing the myriad challenges facing the DRC and its people.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
