M23 has accepted Angola’s mediation offer for talks with the DRC government, seeking clarifications on the DRC’s involvement. The group emphasizes the need for all stakeholders to be included in negotiations and asserts that military solutions will not resolve the underlying issues. The regional bloc SADC supports ongoing peace processes and calls for a ceasefire among all parties involved.
The M23 group has expressed its acceptance of Angola’s mediation offer aimed at facilitating talks with the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), scheduled to commence later this month. However, the group’s spokesperson, Lawrence Kanyuka, has requested clarification regarding the DRC’s participation, given previous statements indicating a reluctance to engage in discussions with M23.
The M23 group is calling for President Felix Tshisekedi to make a public commitment to direct negotiations. They also emphasize the necessity for the mediation team to include all stakeholders and to clarify the terms of reference, noting their awareness of the mediation offer through social media channels.
In a statement, M23 underscored the absence of a military solution to the DRC’s ongoing crisis, asserting that such an approach would not address the underlying causes of conflict. They are seeking further clarification regarding the implementation of resolutions from the joint EAC and SADC Heads of State summit held in Dar es Salaam earlier this year.
This statement was issued following a communique from SADC reaffirming its commitment to the Luanda/Nairobi peace processes. Furthermore, it was announced that SADC would withdraw its troops from Eastern DRC, and it echoed support for a lasting solution as outlined by the United Nations Security Council resolution 2773.
The SADC communique highlighted the importance of cooperation among regional entities such as the AU, EAC, and others in promoting stability in Eastern DRC. This comes in tandem with the decision to appoint former leaders, including Kenya’s Uhuru Kenyatta and Nigeria’s Olusegun Obasanjo, to facilitate peace efforts in the region. The communique also called upon all parties to respect the ceasefire agreed upon during the EAC-SADC Summit and to halt any military actions in Eastern DRC.
In conclusion, the M23 group’s acceptance of Angola’s mediation offer signifies a potential pathway towards resolving the tensions in the DRC. Their demands for clarification regarding negotiations, stakeholder involvement, and the commitment to cease military actions underscore the complexity of the situation. Regional bodies continue to play a crucial role in facilitating a sustainable resolution to the ongoing crisis.
Original Source: eastleighvoice.co.ke
