The DRC and M23 rebels confirmed their participation in peace talks in Angola aimed at resolving the escalating conflict in eastern DRC. Both parties have sent delegations to Luanda for discussions, marking a shift from previous refusals to engage directly. The humanitarian crisis necessitates urgent resolution as the conflict, with historical roots and significant casualties, continues to affect millions.
Both the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the M23 rebel group, reportedly backed by Rwanda, have confirmed their participation in forthcoming peace talks in Angola. Initially rejected by the DRC, these discussions are intended to address the escalating conflict in the eastern regions of the country, which has witnessed significant unrest this year. A spokesperson for M23 announced on Monday that their delegation has arrived in Luanda to engage in the negotiations.
The DRC government is also represented in Luanda, with a delegation present for talks scheduled for Tuesday. Previously, President Felix Tshisekedi had declined direct negotiations with the M23 rebels, citing the historical complexities of the conflict. However, the recent acceptance of the talks signifies a shift in strategy. M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka confirmed their attendance in Luanda via social media platform X.
Angola has taken up the role of mediator in this conflict for several months, aiming to foster a ceasefire between opposing parties. The peace talks had faced cancellation last year when Rwanda insisted on direct dialogue, which the DRC had not entertained. Recently, Angola announced the revival of these direct negotiations, prompting both parties to engage.
M23 leader Bertrand Bisimwa has asserted that the rebels managed to compel Tshisekedi to the negotiation table, emphasizing that “peace begins with dialogue. The sooner we talk, the sooner peace becomes a reality.” The ongoing conflict worsened early this year as M23 launched a rapid offensive, capturing major cities such as Goma and Bukavu, perpetuating a severe humanitarian crisis.
The DRC struggle involves around 100 armed groups vying for control over mineral-rich territories along the Rwanda border. The violent confrontations have led to more than seven million people being displaced, with reports estimating up to 7,000 casualties since the beginning of the year. The UN suggests that M23 is complemented by approximately 4,000 Rwandan troops, who are reportedly acting in self-defense against the hostile Congolese factions. The enduring conflict draws its origins from the aftermath of the 1994 Rwandan genocide and reflects the competition for DRC’s abundant mineral resources.
Furthermore, the UN Human Rights Council initiated a commission in February to investigate alleged human rights violations, including severe accusations of rape and extrajudicial killings committed by both factions involved in the conflict.
The initiation of peace talks in Angola between the DRC and M23 rebels marks a significant development in addressing the protracted conflict in eastern DRC. The humanitarian crisis resulting from this ongoing violence necessitates urgent dialogue. With both parties now engaged in negotiations, there exists a potential pathway to restoring peace in a region severely affected by conflict and displacement.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
