M23 rebels, backed by Rwanda, will send a delegation to peace talks in Angola. The DR Congo government, reversing its previous stance, will also participate. Angola aims to mediate a ceasefire amidst ongoing violence that has resulted in thousands of deaths and displacements.
M23 rebels, backed by Rwanda, announced that they would dispatch a five-member delegation to peace talks with the Democratic Republic of Congo’s government in Luanda, Angola, beginning Tuesday. Lawrence Kanyuka, a spokesperson for the rebel alliance, indicated that the delegation would depart on Monday at the request of Angolan authorities.
In a significant shift, President Felix Tshisekedi’s office confirmed that Kinshasa would also send representatives to the talks, reversing its prior commitment to avoid negotiations with the M23. Angola’s initiative aims to mediate a lasting ceasefire and reduce tensions between the DRC and Rwanda, which has been accused of supplying arms and troops to the M23 rebels, a claim supported by the United Nations.
Rwanda contends that its forces are acting in self-defense against threats posed by the Congolese army and local militias. The ongoing conflict in eastern Congo, attributed to the legacy of Rwanda’s 1994 genocide and competition for the region’s mineral wealth, has exacerbated in recent years, with M23 gaining control over significant territories.
Congo’s government has reported that the conflict has resulted in at least 7,000 fatalities since January, while the United Nations humanitarian affairs office estimates that over 600,000 individuals have been displaced since November.
The announced participation of M23 rebels in the peace talks, alongside the Democratic Republic of Congo’s government, marks a pivotal moment in addressing the ongoing conflict fueled by historical tensions and resource competition. With both parties engaging in dialogue under Angola’s mediation, the potential for a ceasefire and stabilization of the region appears cautiously optimistic, yet the challenges remain considerable.
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