Congo will attend peace talks in Angola with the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels, marking a change in President Tshisekedi’s position. The conflict has intensified with key areas seized by M23, resulting in a humanitarian crisis. Concurrently, the U.S. shows interest in mining partnerships with Congo, emphasizing the need for peace.
The Congolese government announced its participation in peace talks with the M23 rebel group in Angola, scheduled for Tuesday. This decision marks a shift from President Felix Tshisekedi’s earlier refusal for direct negotiations. Tina Salama, spokesperson for the President, confirmed that a delegation has arrived in Luanda for discussions with M23, which is backed by Rwanda.
Conflict in eastern Congo has intensified since the M23 rebels captured the critical city of Goma in January, followed by Bukavu in February. Angola, serving as a mediator, will host these vital peace negotiations. Previously, peace talks with Rwanda were halted in December due to conditions placed by Rwanda that demanded dialogue between Congo and the M23.
President Tshisekedi has labeled dialogue with M23, which he considers a terrorist group, as unacceptable. The unrest has led to one of the largest humanitarian crises globally, with over seven million displaced individuals, as various armed factions compete for control in the mineral-rich region.
According to U.N. assessments, around 4,000 Rwandan troops support the M23 rebels, who have ambitions to march towards the Congolese capital, Kinshasa. The U.N. Human Rights Council has established a commission to investigate alleged atrocities committed by both parties, including severe acts of violence.
In a separate development, the U.S. State Department indicated a willingness to explore mining partnerships with Congo, initiating preliminary discussions. On Sunday, President Tshisekedi engaged with U.S. special envoy Rep. Ronny Jackson to discuss enhancing security and economic ties, emphasizing the need for peace to promote American investment in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
In summary, Congo’s decision to engage in peace talks with the M23 rebels represents a significant shift in its stance, aiming to address escalating violence and humanitarian crises. As negotiations in Angola unfold, both internal and external efforts, including U.S. partnership discussions, highlight the urgent need for stability in the region.
Original Source: apnews.com
