Congo’s government will participate in peace talks with M23 rebels in Angola, despite prior resistance to direct negotiations. The talks aim to address ongoing conflict in eastern Congo, aggravated by M23’s territorial control and foreign support. These developments are pivotal for peace and humanitarian efforts in the region, as noted by both Congolese officials and international observers.
The government of Congo has confirmed its participation in peace negotiations in Angola on Tuesday with the M23 rebel group, which is backed by Rwanda and has occupied significant areas in Congo’s eastern region. Tina Salama, spokesperson for President Felix Tshisekedi, announced that the Congolese delegation is in Luanda for the talks, despite Tshisekedi previously rejecting direct discussions with the rebels.
M23 has also dispatched its representatives to Luanda, as confirmed by the group’s spokesperson, Lawrence Kanyuka. The conflict intensified in January following M23’s seizure of the strategic city of Goma, leading to further territorial gains, including Bukavu in February.
Angola has acted as a mediator in this conflict and recently initiated plans for direct negotiations between Congo and M23. Previous peace talks with Rwanda were abruptly called off in December, stemming from Rwanda’s condition for negotiating peace directly with M23, a condition that Congo has so far declined.
President Tshisekedi has been firm in his stance against engaging with M23, stating, “A dialogue with a terrorist group like the M23 is a red line that we will never cross.” The M23 is one of around 100 armed factions in eastern Congo, amidst a conflict that has resulted in a grave humanitarian crisis affecting over 7 million displaced individuals.
The armed group benefits from the support of approximately 4,000 Rwandan troops, as per U.N. reports, and has threatened to advance toward Congo’s capital, Kinshasa. In response to the ongoing violence, the U.N. Human Rights Council established a commission to investigate human rights violations committed by both the Congolese government and M23.
Furthermore, the U.S. State Department has indicated interest in exploring a mining partnership with Congo, noting that preliminary discussions have commenced. Recently, President Tshisekedi met with U.S. special envoy Rep. Ronny Jackson to discuss potential security and economic collaborations, emphasizing the need for peace to attract American investments in the region.
In summary, Congo’s engagement in peace talks with the M23 rebels represents a critical step towards addressing the ongoing conflict in its eastern region, fueled by foreign intervention and internal strife. The humanitarian crisis stemming from this conflict emphasizes the urgent need for a resolution, as over 7 million people remain displaced. Additionally, the interest from the U.S. in fostering economic partnerships highlights the intersection of security and investment in any future peace settlement.
Original Source: www.winnipegfreepress.com
