Angola has announced direct peace talks with M23 rebels in Angola on 18 March. The DRC has acknowledged the invitation, though participation remains unconfirmed. The M23 leader claims the talks are vital for resolution amid increasing conflict, while regional leaders prepare to address the escalating crisis affecting humanitarian conditions and rights in the region.
The Angolan presidency announced that direct peace talks between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the M23 rebels are scheduled to commence in Angola’s capital on 18 March. The Congolese presidency has acknowledged receipt of the invitation but has not yet confirmed its participation in the discussions.
Angola has taken the initiative to mediate, aiming to establish a lasting ceasefire and alleviate tensions involving the DRC and Rwanda, which is accused of supporting the Tutsi-led M23 rebels—a claim that Rwanda has denied. Previously, the Congolese government had resisted engaging in direct talks with M23.
In a statement, Tina Salama, the spokesperson for President Felix Tshisekedi, confirmed that they had received Angola’s invitation but did not disclose further details regarding participation. Furthermore, M23 leader Bertrand Bisimwa expressed confidence that they would compel Tshisekedi to negotiate, framing dialogue as “the only civilized option to resolve the current crisis.”
Amidst these developments, an extraordinary summit of heads of state from the Southern African region is scheduled to discuss the situation. This videoconference, chaired by Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa, aims to address the status of the regional armed forces in eastern Congo, where M23 has gained control of key provincial capitals.
The ongoing conflict is deeply rooted in the aftermath of Rwanda’s 1994 genocide and the struggle for control over DRC’s abundant mineral resources, vital to modern technology and sustainable energy. Reports indicate over 7,000 fatalities and more than 600,000 displacements due to hostilities since last November.
Human Rights Watch has raised alarms over the deteriorating civic environment in M23-controlled regions, citing incidents of pressure, arrests of civil society activists and journalists, and even assassinations. This trend is reportedly expanding into the North and South Kivu provinces, sometimes with apparent support from Rwanda.
Concerns about a potential escalation into a wider regional conflict echo memories of the Congo wars of the 1990s, which resulted in millions of deaths. The situation remains precarious as neighboring nations prepare for possible involvement amidst rising tensions.
The announcement of direct peace talks facilitated by Angola marks a critical juncture in addressing the conflict between the DRC and M23 rebels. While Kongolese authorities have recognized the invitation, the M23 continues to assert its position with claims of compelling negotiations. Regional implications are profound, with humanitarian concerns escalating amid reports of widespread violence, displacement, and diminishing human rights protections. The response from neighboring countries may further influence the unfolding crisis.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
