The Rwandan-backed M23 rebels plan to send a delegation to peace talks with the Democratic Republic of the Congo government in Luanda, Angola. This marks a shift in the DRC’s stance on negotiation. The conflict continues to have severe humanitarian impacts, with rising casualties and displacements.
The M23 rebel group, supported by Rwanda, confirmed on Monday that it would send a five-member delegation to engage in peace talks with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) government in Luanda, Angola. This decision comes after a request by Angolan authorities.
Lawrence Kanyuka, a spokesperson for the allied groups, announced that the delegation was scheduled to depart for the talks. In a significant shift, President Felix Tshisekedi’s office indicated that DRC would also send representatives, ending a previous commitment not to negotiate with M23.
Angola’s mediation efforts focus on achieving a lasting ceasefire and reducing tensions between the DRC and Rwanda. The United Nations has reported that Rwanda has supplied arms and personnel to the M23 rebels. Conversely, Rwanda claims its forces are acting defensively against DRC armed forces and hostile militias.
The ongoing conflict, stemming from the aftermath of Rwanda’s 1994 genocide and competition for DRC’s resources, has worsened this year, with M23 seizing significant areas, including the two largest cities in eastern DRC. Since January, DRC’s government reported over 7,000 fatalities from the combat, with the United Nations estimating that 600,000 individuals have been displaced since November.
The M23’s participation in peace talks represents a critical juncture in addressing the persistent conflict in Eastern DRC. The involvement of Angolan mediation seeks to facilitate dialogue amid escalating violence, emphasizing the urgency for a sustainable solution that can alleviate the humanitarian crisis in the region.
Original Source: www.timeslive.co.za
