The DRC considers attending Angola-hosted peace talks with the M23 rebel group starting March 18. This comes amid a Sadc announcement of troop withdrawal from the DRC. Angola aims to mediate peace between the DRC and Rwanda, which is accused of supporting M23. President Tshisekedi is deliberating on the proposed talks while balancing national and regional pressures.
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is contemplating participation in upcoming peace talks in Angola. These discussions, set to commence on March 18, are intended to be the DRC’s first direct negotiations with the M23 rebel group, which is allegedly supported by Rwanda. This decision comes amid the Southern African Development Community’s (Sadc) announcement regarding the conclusion of its troop deployment, called SAMIDRC, in the DRC and a subsequent phased withdrawal.
Angola has assumed a mediating role to foster a ceasefire and ease the hostilities between the DRC and Rwanda, the latter accused of backing the M23 rebels—a claim Rwanda has denied. President Felix Tshisekedi has previously been reticent toward direct discussions with the M23; however, sources within the DRC government suggest that the Angolan initiative is receiving significant consideration.
According to one source, “This is a process that is beginning. Kinshasa wants it to be short but it could be long, and it will be up to the head of state to decide on the people who will represent the government side.” Another source emphasized that formal engagement with M23 would not diminish Rwanda’s accountability in the ongoing conflict.
The announced withdrawal of Sadc’s deployment represents a potential setback for President Tshisekedi, who has faced scrutiny regarding his response to the M23’s recent territorial gains. In response, Rwanda’s foreign minister described the withdrawal as beneficial for peace in Eastern DRC, asserting that it was a favorable decision.
The Sadc mission commenced in December 2023 with a mandate lasting one year, which was renewed in the following year. However, a document reviewed by Reuters indicated that the future of the mission must be assessed in consultation with conflicting parties. The ongoing conflict, particularly the M23’s control over significant urban areas in eastern DRC, stems from historical tensions tied to Rwanda’s tragic genocide in 1994 and fierce competition for the wealth of the DRC’s mineral reserves.
In summary, the DRC is weighing the prospect of engaging in peace talks facilitated by Angola with the M23 rebel group, underlining the complexities of regional tensions involving Rwanda. This dialogue is set against the backdrop of a withdrawal of Sadc forces aimed at stabilizing the region. Observers suggest that while this development may signal a path toward negotiation, the responsibility for ongoing conflict remains entangled with external influences like Kigali.
Original Source: www.timeslive.co.za
