The DRC and M23 rebels are scheduled to begin direct peace negotiations in Luanda, Angola, on March 18. President Tshisekedi has received an invitation but has not confirmed participation. The conflict, exacerbated by M23’s territorial gains, has led to thousands of deaths and significant displacement, raising concerns of regional conflict involving neighboring countries.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and M23 rebels, supported by Rwanda, are set to engage in direct peace negotiations next week, as announced by Angola, the mediator. A representative from President Felix Tshisekedi’s office communicated that an invitation had been received from Angola for these discussions, scheduled to commence in Luanda on March 18.
Angola has previously mediated the ongoing conflict in eastern DRC, which intensified in January 2023 when M23 seized Goma, a key city. Subsequently, they captured Bukavu, the region’s second-largest city. Rwanda has denied supporting the M23 group, which is involved in a conflict rooted in historical issues related to the 1994 genocide and competition over DRC’s extensive mineral wealth.
President Tshisekedi was in Angola on Tuesday to explore the possibility of dialogue, and his spokesperson confirmed that an invitation was received, yet the government has not committed to participation. M23 leader Bertrand Bisimwa stated on social media that the rebels have compelled Tshisekedi to negotiate, asserting it as “the only civilized option to resolve the current crisis that has lasted for decades.”
The conflict has resulted in an alarming death toll, with government reports indicating at least 7,000 fatalities since January. The United Nations refugee agency has indicated that nearly 80,000 individuals have fled the country, with 61,000 seeking refuge in neighboring Burundi. M23 is one of many armed factions vying for control over significant mineral resources in eastern Congo, which holds vast reserves of vital minerals.
Concerns are mounting regarding regional stability, as neighboring countries, including South Africa, Burundi, and Uganda, have deployed troops to eastern Congo, raising fears of a broader regional conflict reminiscent of the wars that devastated the region in the 1990s and early 2000s, which resulted in millions of casualties.
The upcoming direct talks between the DRC government and M23 rebels represent a critical effort to address the escalating conflict in eastern Congo. With mediatory support from Angola, these negotiations could lead to a resolution amid significant humanitarian concerns and regional instability. Observers highlight the importance of addressing both the historical grievances and the ongoing struggle for resource control, which are at the heart of this conflict.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
