The Democratic Republic of Congo will attend peace negotiations with Rwandan-backed M23 rebels in Angola, indicating a possible shift in President Tshisekedi’s stance after military setbacks. The talks are scheduled to start on March 18, with M23 presenting demands for direct engagement.
The Democratic Republic of Congo is set to participate in peace negotiations in Angola on Tuesday, aimed at addressing the escalating conflict with Rwandan-backed M23 rebels in the eastern part of the country. The Congolese presidency announced this development on Sunday, signifying a potential shift in approach by President Felix Tshisekedi, who had previously rejected dialogue with the rebels.
Angola announced that the direct peace talks will take place in Luanda, beginning on March 18. This decision follows several military setbacks for Congo and decreasing regional support. Although the composition of the Congolese delegation remains uncertain, the presidency’s spokesperson, Tina Salama, indicated that specifics had yet to be finalized.
M23 rebels have confirmed receipt of Angola’s invitation for negotiations, with spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka suggesting that the group has outlined specific demands. Among these is a request for President Tshisekedi to publicly affirm his commitment to engage directly with the M23 in the talks.
In summary, the Democratic Republic of Congo is poised to engage in peace talks with M23 rebels, marking a notable policy shift for President Felix Tshisekedi. This development follows a series of military losses and declining support from regional allies. The situation remains fluid as both sides prepare for discussions in Angola, with M23 setting specific preconditions for dialogue.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
