Democratic Republic of Congo will engage in peace talks with M23 rebels in Angola starting March 18. President Tshisekedi may be altering his previous stance on dialogue due to military setbacks. M23 has made demands, including a public commitment from Tshisekedi for direct negotiations.
The Democratic Republic of Congo is set to dispatch a delegation to Angola on Tuesday in pursuit of peace talks aimed at addressing the ongoing conflict with Rwandan-supported rebels operating in the eastern region. The announcement was made by the presidency on Sunday, alongside confirmation that these direct peace negotiations with the M23 rebels will commence in Luanda on March 18.
President Felix Tshisekedi, who had previously ruled out discussions with the M23 group, appears to be reconsidering his stance due to recent military setbacks and diminishing regional support for Congo. Tina Salama, spokesperson for the presidency, stated, “At this stage, we can’t say who will make up the delegation.”
The M23 rebels confirmed their receipt of Angola’s invitation, with spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka expressing this update via social media platform X on Sunday. Following the announcement, the M23 articulated several demands, notably urging President Tshisekedi to make a public statement indicating his willingness to engage in direct negotiations with them.
The upcoming peace talks between the Democratic Republic of Congo and M23 rebels represent a significant shift in the approach towards conflict resolution in the region. President Tshisekedi’s potential change of heart, driven by recent military failures and a desire for regional support, underscores the urgency of the situation. As preparations are underway, the M23’s demands for direct negotiations highlight the complexities involved in achieving lasting peace.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
