Angola seeks to mediate direct talks between the DRC government and the M23 rebel group, following a meeting between President Tshisekedi and President Lourenço. Despite past rejection of direct engagement, the DRC is now considering Angolan proposals amidst ongoing regional discussions about the escalating conflict. Key meetings at SADC and the UN Security Council are forthcoming.
Angola is actively mediating the ongoing conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and is seeking to facilitate direct negotiations between the Congolese government in Kinshasa and the M23 armed group. A recent meeting in Luanda between Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi and Angolan President João Lourenço has brought about discussions regarding potential talks.
The Angolan presidency announced intentions to connect with the M23 to arrange direct negotiations in Luanda, aiming for a peace agreement in DRC. This initiative follows the escalation of conflict, attributed to Rwanda’s alleged support for M23, which the Rwandan government has denied, claiming their actions are purely self-defensive in nature against hostile forces.
The M23 rebels have gained control over key cities in eastern Congo, including the capitals of North and South Kivu, sparking a long-standing conflict that has roots in Rwanda’s historic genocide and the battle for access to the DRC’s mineral wealth. Although the Congolese government has previously rejected direct discussions with M23, they are now open to Angola’s approach and examining existing frameworks for negotiations, such as the Nairobi process.
Regional discussions about the crisis are ongoing, with a Southern African Development Community (SADC) summit scheduled and discussions at the 8th EU-South Africa summit planned for March 13. Additionally, a United Nations Security Council meeting is set for April 4 to address the conflict in eastern DRC.
Angola’s mediation efforts aim to initiate direct negotiations between the DRC government and the M23 group to address ongoing conflict in eastern Congo. Acknowledging the complex historical and geopolitical context of the crisis, multiple regional and international discussions are scheduled. The DRC remains vigilant in its approach towards negotiations, emphasizing the preliminary frameworks available.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
