General Sultani Makenga from the M23 rebel group supports March 18 peace talks in Luanda, Angola, with the Congolese government. He criticizes President Tshisekedi and defends M23’s agenda against systemic discrimination. The conflict involves multiple forces and highlights regional complexities. Makenga insists on a defensive position while pushing for ethnic reconciliation despite ongoing violence.
General Sultani Makenga, military leader of the M23 rebel group, expressed support for upcoming peace negotiations between the rebels and the Congolese government scheduled for March 18 in Luanda, Angola. He remarked during an interview with Alain Destexhe that while they are eager to negotiate, they have only received Angola’s position and nothing from Kinshasa yet. This development came after Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi met with Angolan President João Lourenço, indicating a shift towards potential dialogue.
Makenga described his view of President Tshisekedi as negative, calling him a “bandit” and suggesting that he lacks genuine concern for the nation. The M23 movement typically fights against systemic issues including discrimination against Congolese Rwandophones, tribalism, and government corruption. The rebel coalition, now part of the Alliance fleuve Congo formed in December 2023, seeks to address these deep-rooted problems in the eastern region of DR Congo.
The conflict involves a complex military landscape, with various factions, including a coalition of the Congolese army, FDLR militia, and foreign troops opposing M23. Initial rounds of peace talks have excluded the rebels, marking a significant change in the dynamics with the latest announcement of direct negotiations. Despite taking control of key cities like Goma and Bukavu, Makenga clarified that their actions were defensive rather than part of an expansionist agenda, provoked by perceived existential threats from the Congolese forces.
He emphasized that the M23’s military actions stem from a need for survival, reflecting on incidents of violence against Tutsi communities to highlight the need for ethnic reconciliation. The M23 has called for an end to ongoing military offensives unless provoked and cited continued attacks on their positions, undermining ceasefire agreements. Reports indicate a temporary calm in regions under M23 control, with local businesses resuming normal operations and infrastructure being restored.
The upcoming peace talks mediated by Angola could signify a pivotal shift in the DR Congo conflict involving the M23 rebel group. General Makenga’s perspective emphasizes the group’s defensive stance against ongoing threats, and their commitment to addressing social and ethnic issues remains central to their agenda. The recent developments illustrate a potential move towards dialogue, though considerable obstacles are still present in achieving lasting peace in the region.
Original Source: www.newtimes.co.rw
