A peace summit to address conflicts in eastern DRC was cancelled after the Rwandan delegation refused to participate, following a failure to reach consensus on negotiations with the M23 rebel group. The summit was part of the Luanda Process aimed at regional stabilization, but tensions between the DRC and Rwanda continue to hinder progress.
A scheduled peace summit in Luanda, Angola, intended to address ongoing conflicts in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), has been cancelled. Initially planned for Sunday, the summit was to include Angolan President Joao Lourenco, DRC President Felix Tshisekedi, and Rwandan President Paul Kagame. However, the summit could not proceed as the Rwandan delegation declined to participate. DRC President Tshisekedi had arrived in Luanda for the summit following a meeting with President Lourenco.
Rwanda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation indicated that the failure of a prior ministerial meeting to reach a consensus regarding direct negotiations with the M23 rebel group prompted the cancellation. The ministry stated, “This summit would therefore not have resulted in an agreement,” emphasizing the need for further dialogue with the M23 before reconvening the summit. The summit was part of the Luanda Process, aimed at fostering peace and stability in the region and endorsed by the African Union.
The situation in eastern DRC remains precarious, with the M23 rebel group continuing to gain territory amid accusations from the DRC government towards Rwanda for allegedly supporting the rebels—an assertion Rwanda vehemently denies. While disavowing any connection to the M23, Rwanda has accused the DRC military of collaborating with the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda, a Rwandan rebel group.
The Angolan Presidency disclosed that the summit was “indefinitely postponed at the request of one of the parties.” The complexities of the relationships between the DRC, Rwanda, and the M23 group illustrate the challenges facing peace efforts in the region.
The eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo has been an epicenter of conflict due to the presence of various armed groups, notably the M23 rebel group. This conflict has led to instability and significant humanitarian crises. Regional dynamics, including alleged external support for these groups, complicate the peace process. The Luanda Process was initiated in 2022 to facilitate dialogue and address these persistent issues, involving key regional leaders, but the recent summit cancellation highlights ongoing tensions and failures to reach consensus on critical matters related to security and cooperation.
The cancellation of the peace summit in Luanda underscores the persistent and complicated nature of the conflicts in eastern DRC. Without effective dialogue and cooperation between the involved parties, the path to stability appears significantly challenging. The situation remains fluid, and continued efforts will be necessary to establish a lasting peace and address the underlying causes of the conflicts in the region.
Original Source: www.chinadailyasia.com
