Direct peace talks between the DRC and M23 rebels are scheduled for March 18 in Angola. This follows Angola’s attempt to mediate a ceasefire amid escalating conflict linked to mineral resource control. The human toll is significant, with thousands dead and many displaced, prompting international concern about regional implications and human rights violations.
On March 18, direct peace talks between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the M23 rebels are set to commence in Angola’s capital, as announced by Angola’s presidency. This initiative follows Angola’s consistent efforts to mediate a ceasefire and ease tensions between Congo and Rwanda, which is accused of supporting the M23 group, although Rwanda refutes these claims.
Previously, the DRC government, led by President Felix Tshisekedi, had resisted participating in direct talks with M23. However, the government acknowledged Angola’s proposal and stated it is considering its next steps. Spokesperson Tina Salama mentioned that they have received the invitation without confirming their participation yet.
In a statement on social media, M23’s leader Bertrand Bisimwa asserted that forcing negotiations with the DRC government is the only reasonable solution to the escalating crisis, which has worsened since January. As tensions rise, a summit of Southern African Development Community (SADC) heads will also address these developments, aiming to determine the status of regional military forces in the eastern DRC, currently facing M23 advances.
The eastern DRC is strategically critical due to its abundant mineral resources, including coltan, cobalt, and lithium, essential for new technologies and green energy initiatives. The conflict, rooted in historical events stemming from Rwanda’s 1994 genocide, has escalated due to competition over these resources.
Since January, the DRC government reports over 7,000 deaths and over 600,000 displacements linked to the violence, as per the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). Human Rights Watch raised alarms regarding oppressive tactics used by the M23, including arresting civil society actors and journalists, suggesting a troubling trend of diminishing civic freedoms in the affected regions. Neighbors such as Burundi, Uganda, and South Africa have deployed troops to the area amidst fears of a potential regional conflict reminiscent of historical Congo wars of the 1990s and 2000s.
The planned peace talks between the DRC and M23 in Angola highlight the ongoing crisis fueled by historical conflicts and resource control issues. The humanitarian impact is severe, with thousands of casualties and widespread displacement. The international community watches closely as regional dynamics could lead to significant escalations reminiscent of past wars, necessitating urgent diplomatic efforts to stabilize the region.
Original Source: www.rfi.fr
