DR Congo and M23 Rebels Commence Peace Negotiations in Angola

The DRC and M23 rebels will participate in peace talks in Angola following prior refusals. The negotiations aim to address the escalating conflict in eastern DRC, which has led to significant humanitarian crises, including millions displaced and thousands dead. The involvement of international mediation and the history of the conflict reveal deep-rooted issues related to resource control and regional stability.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the M23 rebel group have confirmed their participation in peace talks in Angola aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict in the eastern region of the country. These discussions, previously rejected by the DRC, will take place in Angola’s capital, Luanda. The M23, backed by Rwanda, has made significant territorial gains in the mineral-rich east of the DRC, resulting in numerous casualties since the beginning of the year.

A delegation from the DRC has arrived in Luanda to participate in the negotiations, despite initial refusals from President Felix Tshisekedi to engage directly with the M23 rebels due to the deep-rooted nature of the conflict. M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka confirmed the rebel group’s participation by stating that their delegation is also present in Luanda.

Angola has been mediating attempts for a ceasefire for several months, with previous peace talks having been cancelled last year when Rwanda insisted on direct dialogue, a request the DRC government had declined. The launch of these direct negotiations was announced by Luanda last week. M23 leader Bertrand Bisimwa has claimed that their actions forced the DRC government to the negotiating table, emphasizing the need for dialogue to achieve peace.

The ongoing conflict in the DRC has intensified with the recent M23 offensive that captured key cities such as Goma and Bukavu. This region is home to over 100 armed groups competing for control of its mineral wealth and has become one of the world’s most pressing humanitarian crises, displacing more than seven million people and causing approximately 7,000 deaths this year alone. According to the United Nations, M23 has the support of about 4,000 Rwandan soldiers and has previously threatened to advance towards the DRC capital, Kinshasa. Rwanda claims its military involvement is defensive against threats from the Congolese army and opposing militias.

The conflict traces back to the spillover from the 1994 Rwandan genocide and is exacerbated by the struggle for lucrative mineral resources. To address the atrocities related to the conflict, including human rights violations by both parties, the UN Human Rights Council initiated a commission in February.

In conclusion, the upcoming peace talks in Angola mark a significant development in efforts to address the persistent conflict between the DRC and the M23 rebel group. With both parties now engaged in dialogue after previous refusals, there is potential for progress in resolving long-standing issues. The severe humanitarian crisis resulting from the conflict necessitates urgent action, as millions have been displaced, and violence continues to escalate. The international community remains vigilant in monitoring the situation and supporting peaceful resolutions.

Original Source: www.aljazeera.com