M23 rebels, supported by Rwanda, will attend peace talks with Congo’s government in Angola. This marks a departure from Congo’s previous refusal to negotiate. The conflict, exacerbated by foreign involvement and resource struggles, has led to thousands of deaths and displacements this year.
The M23 rebels, supported by Rwanda, announced their participation in peace talks with the Democratic Republic of Congo’s government scheduled to begin in Luanda, Angola. A five-member delegation will travel to the capital at the request of Angolan authorities, as confirmed by Lawrence Kanyuka, spokesperson for the AFC rebel alliance, which includes M23.
Additionally, President Felix Tshisekedi’s office indicated that the Congolese government will send representatives to the talks, marking a significant shift from its previous stance of refusing negotiations with the rebel group. Angola is facilitating these discussions in an effort to establish a lasting ceasefire and reduce tensions between Congo and Rwanda, which has been accused by the U.N. of supplying arms and troops to M23.
The underlying conflict has persisted in eastern Congo for decades, deeply rooted in the aftermath of Rwanda’s 1994 genocide and the subsequent competition for control over Congo’s extensive mineral resources. This year, M23 has significantly advanced, capturing territories including the two largest cities in eastern Congo. The Congolese government reports over 7,000 fatalities since January, with at least 600,000 individuals displaced since November as reported by the United Nations humanitarian affairs office.
In conclusion, the upcoming peace talks in Angola represent a crucial development in the ongoing conflict involving the M23 rebels and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The participation of both the rebel group and the Congolese government highlights the potential for dialogue to address the long-standing challenges in the region. Nevertheless, the humanitarian consequences continue to be severe, with significant loss of life and mass displacements amid escalating violence.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
