DRC President Félix Tshisekedi has agreed to direct negotiations with the M23 rebel group after talks with Angolan President João Lourenço. Angola will mediate these discussions, aiming for definitive peace in the region. The DRC acknowledges existing frameworks for dialogue, particularly the Nairobi Process and UN Resolution 2773. This shift in strategy follows international pressure to de-escalate the conflict and protect civilians in eastern DRC.
In a notable diplomatic advancement, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) President Félix Tshisekedi has consented to direct negotiations with the M23 rebel faction after dialogues with Angolan President João Lourenço in Luanda. Angola intends to mediate by establishing contact with the rebels to facilitate these talks, which are expected to occur shortly in Luanda.
Angola’s official statement from the Presidential Palace emphasizes its role as a mediator, stating, “Following His Excellency Félix Tshisekedi’s brief working visit to Luanda… will establish contacts with the M23, so that delegations from the DRC and the M23 carry out direct negotiations… to negotiate definitive peace in that brother country.”
DRC’s presidency expressed cautious optimism regarding the mediation. Tina Salama, the presidential spokesperson, highlighted that Kinshasa remains devoted to existing diplomatic avenues. She noted, “We take note and wait to see the implementation of this approach by the Angolan mediation… reaffirm our commitment to Resolution 2773.”
The Nairobi Process, facilitated by the East African Community, stands as the formal platform for peace dialogues between the DRC and armed factions. The United Nations Security Council’s Resolution 2773 demands an immediate cessation of hostilities, withdrawal of M23 from occupied territories, and cessation of Rwandan military involvement in eastern DRC.
Tshisekedi’s willingness to engage directly with M23 indicates a significant policy shift from his previous stance of prioritizing military actions. M23 has captured essential strategic areas like Goma and Bukavu, claiming to protect Congolese Tutsis facing discrimination.
This shift occurs amid escalating regional and global pressure aiming to de-escalate tensions and avert a potential humanitarian disaster. Major international entities, including the European Union, United States, and the United Kingdom, have condemned M23’s territorial acts and have urged Rwanda to withdraw its military support for the group.
Angola’s role as a mediator is perceived as vital in enhancing the existing Nairobi and Luanda initiatives, which seek to achieve a political resolution instead of escalating violence.
As Angola prepares to engage with M23, the outcome of these discussions will hinge on both parties’ commitment to a ceasefire and sincere dialogue. Observers will be monitoring for any decrease in M23’s military actions and whether the DRC government sustains support for the negotiations. The forthcoming discussions in Luanda represent a critical juncture in addressing the conflict’s evolution, with thousands of civilians affected and significant fighting persisting in eastern DRC.
President Félix Tshisekedi’s agreement to direct negotiations with the M23 rebel group marks a pivotal change in the DRC’s strategy amidst mounting regional and global pressure. Angola’s mediation efforts aim to establish peace talks while multiple international pressures seek to hold all parties accountable for their roles in the ongoing conflict. The success of these negotiations remains contingent on the commitment from both the DRC and M23 to cease military actions and engage in constructive dialogue.
Original Source: chimpreports.com
