The Democratic Republic of Congo will participate in peace talks with M23 rebels in Angola on March 18, having previously resisted dialogue. This shift follows military setbacks, prompting President Tshisekedi to reconsider his stance. M23 has acknowledged the invitation and laid out demands regarding direct negotiations.
The Democratic Republic of Congo plans to dispatch a delegation to Angola on Tuesday for peace talks aimed at addressing an escalating conflict with Rwandan-backed rebels in the eastern region. The Congolese presidency confirmed this development on Sunday, indicating an important diplomatic move towards resolution.
Angola recently announced the commencement of direct peace negotiations between the Democratic Republic of Congo and the M23 rebels in Luanda, set to begin on March 18. President Felix Tshisekedi has previously dismissed the idea of engaging in dialogue with M23 but is reportedly reconsidering his stance following military setbacks and diminishing regional support.
As stated by presidency spokesperson Tina Salama, the composition of the delegation remains undetermined. Meanwhile, M23’s spokesperson, Lawrence Kanyuka, confirmed that they had received Angola’s invitation and listed a series of demands, including a request for President Tshisekedi to publicly affirm his commitment to direct negotiations.
In summary, the Democratic Republic of Congo is taking significant steps towards resolving its conflict with Rwandan-backed M23 rebels through scheduled peace talks in Angola. President Tshisekedi’s shift towards dialogue marks a pivotal change in approach given the recent military challenges. The inclusion of M23’s demands will be crucial for the success of these negotiations.
Original Source: www.straitstimes.com
