The M23 armed group has accused the DRC government of trying to sabotage peace talks by escalating military actions. As direct negotiations are scheduled in Angola, the situation remains tense, with both sides yet to respond to ceasefire calls.
On Sunday, the Rwanda-backed M23 armed group publicly accused the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) government of attempting to undermine upcoming peace talks in Angola. According to M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka, the DRC government has escalated its military operations by using fighter jets and drones to target densely populated areas, intensifying the conflict.
Kanyuka asserted that such aggression reflects the Kinshasa regime’s intention to derail the much-anticipated dialogue planned for Tuesday in Luanda. The M23, alongside the Congo River Alliance, claims that this military action is a direct threat to peace efforts.
Despite the serious accusations, the DRC government has not responded to requests for comments, and the allegations remain unverified. Kanyuka acknowledged receiving Angola’s invitation for direct negotiations and emphasized the importance of the dialogue.
Angolan President Joao Lourenco has called for a ceasefire effective Sunday at midnight, yet responses from both parties have not been forthcoming. Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi has previously resisted attending negotiations with the M23, which has gained significant territory in eastern DRC this year, partially supported by Rwandan troops.
Following President Tshisekedi’s recent visit to Luanda, direct peace negotiations have been confirmed to begin on Tuesday. Major cities such as Goma and Bukavu, both rich in natural resources and adjacent to the Rwandan border, have experienced rapid control shifts to M23 forces since January.
In summary, the M23 group has accused the DRC government of escalating hostilities ahead of planned peace talks in Angola, claiming that military attacks threaten the dialogue. While peace negotiations are scheduled to begin soon after a call for a ceasefire, tensions between the M23 and the DRC government remain high, with significant territorial changes occurring in eastern Congo this year.
Original Source: www.jacarandafm.com
