The DRC government will engage in peace talks with M23 rebels in Angola. This follows escalating conflict in the region and a previous refusal for direct negotiations. The U.S. is exploring investment opportunities in the DRC, linking peace to economic development. The situation remains critical due to the humanitarian crisis and foreign troop involvement.
The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is set to engage in peace talks on Tuesday with the M23 rebel group, which is backed by Rwanda, in Angola’s capital, Luanda. Tina Salama, spokesperson for President Felix Tshisekedi, confirmed the participation of a DRC delegation in these discussions.
Previously, President Tshisekedi had rejected the notion of direct negotiations with M23, which has gained control over significant areas in the mineral-rich eastern DRC. M23’s spokesperson, Lawrence Kanyuka, also indicated that their delegation would be present in Luanda.
The conflict escalated in January when M23 rebels advanced and captured the strategic cities of Goma and Bukavu. Angola has played a mediating role in this conflict, and it was announced last week that they would facilitate direct peace negotiations.
In December, peace talks were unexpectedly canceled after Rwanda demanded direct dialogue between the rebels and the DRC government, which Tshisekedi termed unacceptable. He publicly stated, “A dialogue with a terrorist group like the M23 is a red line that we will never cross.”
M23 is one among many armed groups vying for dominance in eastern DRC, a region afflicted by a humanitarian crisis that has displaced over seven million people. Reports from UN experts suggest approximately 4,000 Rwandan troops support M23, who have threatened to advance toward Kinshasa, the DRC capital.
Last month, the UN Human Rights Council established a commission to explore atrocities committed by both sides, including allegations of rape and summary executions. Additionally, last week, the U.S. State Department expressed openness to developing a mining partnership in the DRC despite the ongoing conflict, as preliminary discussions commenced.
Mr. Tshisekedi met with Ronny Jackson, the U.S. special envoy to the DRC, to discuss potential security and economic partnerships, emphasizing the necessity of achieving peace to foster investment from U.S. companies. Jackson underscored this goal by stating, “We want to work together so that [US] companies can invest and work in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and for that we have to make sure there is a peace in the country.”
In summary, the DRC government will engage in crucial peace talks with M23 rebels, mediated by Angola. Despite past refusals to negotiate, the escalating conflict and humanitarian crisis necessitate dialogue. The ongoing support of Rwandan troops for M23 complicates the situation further, while U.S. interest in mining partnerships highlights external dimensions impacting the peace process. The stakes remain high, with millions displaced and regional stability at risk.
Original Source: morningstaronline.co.uk
