Congo’s government and the M23 rebel group will engage in peace talks on March 18 in Luanda, Angola, mediated by President João Lourenço. This follows escalating tensions as M23 seized key cities, causing a humanitarian crisis affecting millions. Previous talks excluded M23 and focused on Rwanda’s involvement.
On March 18, peace talks between the Congolese government and the M23 rebel group are scheduled to commence in Luanda, Angola. This announcement was made by the office of Angola’s President, João Lourenço, highlighting the commencement of “direct peace negotiations.”
Angola has been a crucial mediator in the ongoing conflict in eastern Congo, which intensified in late January when M23, backed by Rwanda, captured the strategically vital city of Goma. The situation escalated further with the seizure of Bukavu, marking M23’s significant territorial gains.
Congo’s President, Felix Tshisekedi, visited Angola recently to explore the potential for these peace talks, which follow previous unsuccessful negotiation attempts that did not include M23 and primarily addressed the role of its Rwandan supporters. M23 is among a plethora of about 100 armed groups competing for control in the mineral-rich eastern region of Congo, contributing to a humanitarian crisis that has displaced over 7 million individuals. The rebels are reportedly supported by approximately 4,000 Rwandan troops and have made threats to extend their military actions to the capital, Kinshasa, which is over 1,000 miles away.
In conclusion, the upcoming peace talks scheduled for March 18 represent a significant step in addressing the conflict between the Congolese government and the M23 rebel group. With Angola’s mediation, there is a hope for resolution in a region plagued by violence and humanitarian crises. However, the established support of M23 by Rwanda remains a critical factor that will need to be addressed in the peace negotiations.
Original Source: www.elpasoinc.com
