M23 rebels will participate in peace talks with the DRC government in Angola, reversing previous positions. This dialogue follows escalating conflict rooted in historical tensions and competition for resources, which has resulted in thousands of deaths and widespread displacement.
On Monday, the M23 rebels, supported by Rwanda, announced their intention to participate in peace negotiations with the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo. This dialogue is set to commence on Tuesday in the capital city of Angola, Luanda. Lawrence Kanyuka, a spokesperson for the M23, confirmed that a five-member delegation would leave for Luanda at the request of Angolan authorities.
In a significant shift, the office of President Felix Tshisekedi declared that Kinshasa would also send its representatives to the discussions, departing from its previous stance of refusing to engage with the M23. Angola has been actively seeking to mediate a sustainable ceasefire and mitigate tensions between Congo and its neighbor, Rwanda, which has allegedly been supplying arms and military support to the M23 rebels.
Rwanda claims that its military operations are defensive, aimed at addressing threats from the Congolese army and various militias. This ongoing conflict in eastern Congo has origins in the aftermath of Rwanda’s 1994 genocide and is exacerbated by the struggle for control over the region’s extensive mineral resources. The M23 rebels have made significant territorial gains this year, capturing previously inaccessible areas within Congo, including its two largest cities.
The Congolese government has reported that the violence has resulted in over 7,000 fatalities since January 2023. Furthermore, the U.N. humanitarian affairs office indicates that at least 600,000 people have been displaced due to the ongoing hostilities since November.
In summary, the M23 rebels are set to attend peace talks in Angola following a change in stance from the Congolese government, which will also send representatives. This dialogue aims to address the longstanding conflict rooted in Rwanda’s genocide and the dispute over mineral control. The situation remains dire, with significant casualties and displacements attributed to the recent hostilities in eastern Congo.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
