The DR Congo government will participate in peace talks with the M23 rebel group in Luanda, Angola. Previously rejecting negotiations, President Tshisekedi has confirmed a delegation is present for talks. The conflict, which has intensified since January, has resulted in a severe humanitarian crisis, with millions displaced. The US has expressed interest in supporting development through potential partnerships.
The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) will engage in peace talks with the M23 rebel group, which is backed by Rwanda, in Luanda, Angola. Tina Salama, spokesperson for President Felix Tshisekedi, confirmed that the DR Congo delegation is in place for the discussions scheduled for Tuesday. Previously, President Tshisekedi had rejected direct negotiations with the rebels.
M23, which has taken control of significant areas in the mineral-rich eastern region of DR Congo, has also sent a delegation to the talks, as announced by group spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka on social media. The conflict escalated in January when M23 seized the strategic city of Goma, followed by Bukavu in February, prompting Angola to mediate direct peace negotiations.
Attempts to establish peace talks encountered setbacks in December when Rwanda insisted that negotiations should occur directly between the M23 rebels and the Congolese government. President Tshisekedi firmly stated, “A dialogue with a terrorist group like the M23 is a red line that we will never cross.” M23 represents one of over 100 armed groups competing for control in eastern DR Congo, a situation that has resulted in a severe humanitarian crisis with over seven million displaced individuals.
The M23 rebels are reportedly supported by approximately 4,000 Rwandan troops, according to UN experts, and they have expressed ambitions to advance toward the Congolese capital, Kinshasa. In addition, the UN Human Rights Council has recently formed a commission to investigate atrocities allegedly committed by both parties, including severe violations such as rape and summary executions.
Last week, the US State Department indicated its openness to exploring a mining partnership with DR Congo and confirmed that preliminary discussions are underway. On Sunday, President Tshisekedi met with Ronny Jackson, the US special envoy to DR Congo, to explore potential security and economic collaborations. Mr. Jackson emphasized the importance of peace, stating, “We want to work together so that [US] companies can invest and work in the Democratic Republic of Congo.”
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The engagement of the DR Congo government in peace negotiations with M23 rebels demonstrates a critical step towards addressing the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the region. While there are significant challenges and historical refusals to negotiate, the mediation efforts led by Angola may offer a pathway towards resolving the conflict that has displaced millions. Additionally, potential partnerships with the United States highlight international interest in stabilizing the country and supporting its development.
Original Source: morningstaronline.co.uk
