Angola is mediating the DRC crisis, facilitating talks between the government in Kinshasa and the M23 rebel group. Meetings between Presidents Tshisekedi and Lourenço suggest potential negotiations in Luanda. This development follows a previous refusal by Kinshasa to engage with M23. The regional implications of Rwanda’s involvement remain central to the conflict’s dynamics, requiring collaborative international efforts for resolution.
Angola is actively mediating the crisis in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), seeking to facilitate direct negotiations between the DRC government and the M23 rebel group. During a recent meeting in Luanda, Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi and Angolan President João Lourenço discussed potential dialogue. The Angolan presidency has announced intentions to initiate contact with the M23, aiming for direct discussions in Luanda to achieve a lasting peace in the DRC.
The conflict’s regional implications are significant, particularly concerning Rwanda, which has been accused of supporting the M23. Rwanda maintains that its military actions are defensive, aimed at combating hostile militias and protecting Tutsi interests. M23 has gained control over several major cities in eastern Congo, intensifying a conflict rooted in Rwanda’s 1994 genocide and competition for Congo’s mineral wealth.
Despite previously rejecting talks with M23, the Congolese government is now reconsidering its stance following discussions in Luanda. President Tshisekedi had historically viewed negotiations as necessary with Rwanda. However, authorities in Kinshasa are now cautiously observing the implementation of Angola’s proposed mediation approach.
The Congolese presidency’s spokesperson, Tina Salama, noted that a negotiation framework is already established as part of the Nairobi process. Discussions on the situation in the DRC will also take place during an upcoming summit of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the 8th EU-South Africa summit. Furthermore, the United Nations Security Council plans to hold a session related to the DRC crisis on April 4th.
Angola’s mediation efforts aim to facilitate direct negotiations between the DRC and M23, a shift in the Congolese government’s stance towards potential dialogue. The conflict’s regional dimensions, particularly Rwanda’s involvement, remain a critical factor. Ongoing discussions and international summits are pivotal in addressing the crisis, as stakeholders seek a resolution encompassing peace and stability in the region.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
